Jan 7, 2012 6:54am

The Election of Pope St. Pius V: January 7, 1566

Antonio Ghislieri, born in 1504, was a shepherd for his family before entering a Dominican monastery at the age of fourteen. He was ordained in 1528 and taught theology and philosphy before being appointed an inquisitor of the Church. He was uncommonly devout and ascetic and never expected from anyone what he was not willing to practice himself.

A nineteen day conclave elected him pope on January 7, 1566. It was left to him to enforce the decrees of the Council of Trent. He chose to be called Pius V, and was a protege of Paul IV.

If you have ever wondered why popes wear the color white, it is because of Pius V. He elected to continue to wear the garments of his Dominican order, which were white. Popes ever since have continued this tradition.

Pius V ruled the Church during a time of great political power and managed to estrange most of the Catholic rulers by his refusal to allow even the slightest control over the Church by the State. More biographical information is included under Papal History as well as the artifacts connected to him in this Collection.

Pius V was canonized in 1712 by Pope Clement XI and his feast is kept on April 30.

Pius V: A Reliquary Containing a Portion of His Original White Cassock 1566-1572

This reliquary contains a portion of the original white cassock worn by Pius V. He was the first Dominican pope. Their habits are all white. As pope, Pius V dressed as a Dominican. After his death, popes continued this prac... read more »