Pope Urban VII

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Urban VII

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Name Giovanni Battista Castagna Papacy began September 15, 1590 Papacy ended September 27, 1590 Predecessor Sixtus V Successor Gregory XIV Born August 4, 1521 Place of birth Rome, Italy Died September 27, 1590 Place of death Rome, Italy

Urban VII, né Giovanni Battista Castagna (August 4, 1521 – September 27, 1590) was pope for thirteen days in September 1590, was of Genoese origin, although born in Rome. He was chosen successor of Sixtus V on September 15, 1590, but died of malaria (September 27) before consecration, making his the shortest papal reign in history.

He had previously served as governor of Bologna and as archbishop of Rossano, and was for many years nuncio to Spain; his election to the papacy was largely backed by the Spanish faction.

References

• The Death of the Popes by Wendy J. Reardon, 2004.

Preceded by: Sixtus V

Pope 1590

Succeeded by: Gregory XIV