Happy Cinco de Mayo. It is the feast day of Pius de Cinco, or at least it used to be. St. Pius V was a poor shepherd but a wealthy neighbor paid for his schooling, bless him. And thus he set in motion a great event: the first reforming pope in a long time! He became a Dominican, and as such, Anthony Ghisleri took the name Michael, taught theology and philosophy, became an Inquisitor, became bishop of Sutri and Nepi (against his wishes) by Paul IV, the former Cardinal Caraffa. Caraffa had been impressed with Michael when he was still with the Inquisition. He'd adequately defending the burning of heretical books in Milan. Michael became cardinal and as the pope's confidant often had to calm and cajole him. The next pope, Pius IV (a Medici), was so worldly Michael retired to his see. But when Pius IV died, Michael was elected pope, largely due to the influence of St. Charles Borromeo.
Pius V did not disappoint. He instituted the reforms of the recent Council of Trent, he lived simply; he stamped out nepotism and simony; he had the Vulgate, breviary and missal revised; he imposed penalties on bullfights; and he TRIED to stamp out prostitution in Rome, but it so would have ruined the economy he was forced to give up the fight! He greatly reduced the terrible practice of the auto-da-fé (the public burning of heretics). His political actions were less successful, with one shining exception. He was too harsh on the Huguenots, he didn't handle the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots well, and his excommunication of Queen Elizabeth wasn't executed with much foresight. But he never really let politics get in his way . . . he was trying to save souls. He was remarkably successful in stopping the Turkish navy at Lepanto following an alliance of Spain and Venice against them. He died a couple months after receiving news (mystically) of the great Christian victory.
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