Urban VII

Urban VII (born August 4, 1521, Rome [Italy]—died September 27, 1590, Rome) was the pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, from September 15 to September 27, 1590. Of noble birth, he held several key church offices, including papal ambassador to Spain (until 1572), cardinal priest (1583), and inquisitor general (1586). Known for his charity and piety, he was elected pope on September 15, 1590, but died of malaria 12 days later, before his consecration. His reign is the shortest in the church’s history.