Pope Julius III

Who was Pope Julius III?

Pope Julius III, born Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte, was the head of the Catholic Church from 7 February 1550 to his death in 1555.

Distinguished as an effective diplomat, he was elected to the papacy as a compromise candidate. As Pope he made only reluctant and short-lived attempts at reform, mostly devoting himself to a life of personal pleasure. His reputation, and that of the Catholic Church, were greatly harmed by his scandal-ridden relationship with his adopted nephew.