Four hundred years ago Alessandro Ludovisi was selected as pope by the assembled cardinals and assumed the name Gregory XV. After the long reign of Paul V Borghese — who had completed St. Peter’s basilica — the electors were looking for a “caretaker” pope, usually an elderly cardinal who could help slowly transition the Church to a later, more vigorous pontiff. Yet history shows us that such “caretaker” popes can have historical significance that transcends their short terms in office.
Gregory was the first pope in history who had been trained by the young Jesuit order, then undertaking its educational revolution that transformed the formation of Christian youth. He showed himself adept in humanistic pursuits and became quite interested in the Fathers of the Church. At the age of 21 he received his doctorate in both canon and civil law and began an illustrious career in the service of the papacy. His balanced judgment, prudence, and reserve made him sought out by clients both ecclesial and lay. He was content to stay in the background, often serving as an exceptionally competent vicar. He shrewdly cultivated good relations with the courts of both Spain and France, the preeminent Catholic powers of the time.
He worked diligently to smooth the way for a marriage between the future Charles I of England and Mary Anna of Spain … Gregory earnestly desired this, not only because Charles might convert to Catholicism, but so that the bitter penal laws against Catholics might be relaxed.
By 1612 he had attracted the attention of the pope himself, and was sent back to his native Bologna as an archbishop. He was a model prelate, known for his uprightness and efforts to create a model clergy both educated and holy. His skill at peacemaking and mediation was renowned, particularly his ability to negotiate the thickets of church politics. By 1616 he had been raised to the cardinalate, and was already considered papabile. His studied reserve and carefully balanced diplomacy united holiness of life with a prudent shrewdness that made him appealing to all factions in the Catholic world.
Besides his many sterling qualities, his age and sickly disposition convinced the cardinals that he would be a suitable short-term pope. Knowing his own limitations, the new pope found trusted and competent subordinates to handle work that he was unable to do. In spite of his health, Gregory proceeded to tackle a number of issues that were facing the Church with skill and rapidity.
In the first place, he did all he could to aid the Catholics in Germany, who had just become embroiled in the opening phases of the Thirty Years’ War. During his tenure the Catholic armies won several important victories. As a result of his support, the Palatine library of Heidelberg was transferred to the Vatican, becoming one of the crown jewels of its collection. He was also attentive to keeping peace between France and Spain, for the good of the Church. He worked diligently to smooth the way for a marriage between the future Charles I of England and Mary Anna of Spain, an episode known to history as the controversial “Spanish Match.” Gregory earnestly desired this, not only because Charles might convert to Catholicism, but so that the bitter penal laws against Catholics might be relaxed. While unsuccessful, it demonstrated the papacy’s continuing concern for the persecuted faithful in the British Isles. He was also extremely lenient to sinners and heretics who desired to repent, as is evident in his phrase, “the Church of Christ must expand not through fear, but through love.”
He was dedicated to continuing reform in the Church and created many worthy cardinals, known for their blameless lives and competence (though it must be admitted that he did, at the request of the French king, raise Richelieu to the purple). He held frequent meetings during which he expected his cardinals to give their advice with candor, and he always carefully considered their opinions. He issued significant legislation on papal elections, much of it in force until quite recently. Wanting to resist secular interference, he insisted on strict enclosure in the conclave and demanded that the ballots be secret in order to avoid undue pressure on less powerful cardinals. He prohibited candidates from voting for themselves and stipulated that the Cardinals take a solemn oath and hold their elections in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Of most enduring value, Gregory created the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith … [which] was to coordinate missionary activity throughout the world.
Of most enduring value, Gregory created the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. On the feast of the Epiphany in 1622, the date of the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, the pope issued its constitution. It was to coordinate missionary activity throughout the world. Up to that time, missions had been haphazardly conducted. Gregory streamlined all of that into a congregation headed by his most competent cardinals, who reported to him twice a month. The intent of the congregation was to liberate the missions from secular powers and to coordinate missionary efforts for greater effect. It was well organized and extremely efficient, and its archives are among the most important in the world. Gregory essentially established the Church as the first global organisation in human history.
He sealed his effort with what might be called the “Great Canonisation.” In one ceremony he elevated Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Theresa of Avila, Philip Neri, and Isidore the Farmer to the honours of the altar. In a certain sense this was a canonisation of the entire Catholic Reform, a stamp set upon the post-conciliar period, and a serious gesture of approval for the new orders.
Falling ill in 1623 and knowing the end was near, he wrote a testament to his nephew, Cardinal Ludovico. In it he gave his secret for good Church governance, “Make the fear and love of God your supreme political wisdom, your rule of government, and your most trusted counsellors.” While his reign was short, it was filled with triumphs, and has echoed throughout Catholic and world history.
Donald S. Prudlo is Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa.
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