Pope Julius (III)

Pope Julius III (Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte, 1487–1555) was pope of the Catholic Church from 1550 to 1555. Born in Monte San Savino in Tuscany, he pursued a career in canon law and diplomacy and served in the Roman Curia. He took part in major church affairs of his era and, as pope, oversaw the reopening of the Council of Trent in 1551. His pontificate also included patronage of building and artistic projects in Rome, notably the Villa Giulia, associated with his name. Julius III died in Rome in 1555 and was succeeded by Marcellus II.