Pope Gregory XIV

Niccolo Sfondrato (February 11, 1535 - 1591) was Pope Gregory XIV from 1590-1591.

He was born a native of Cremona and succeeded Urban VII on December 5, 1590. As a monk he had been eminent for the decency and sobriety of his life; but his brief pontificate was marked by no important occurrence, except that, instigated by the king of Spain and the duke of Mayenne, he excommunicated Henry IV of France, declaring him, as a heretic and persecutor, to be deprived of his dominions, and also levied an army for the invasion of France. The history of that county records how this proceeding was regarded alike by clergy, parliament and people. The biographers mention as a curious personal trait of Gregory XIV a nervous tendency to laughter which occasionally became irresistible, and which manifested itself even at his coronation. He was succeeded by Innocent IX.

from the 9th edition (1880) of an unnamed encyclopedia.

Preceded by: Pope Urban VII

List of popes

Succeeded by: Pope Innocent IX