Born to the nobility.
Studied law at Perugia and Padua, Italy.
Created Cardinal-Vicar of Rome in June 1596 by PopeClement VIII.
233rd pope in 1605.
A stern, stubborn man who refused to comprimise on the authority and privileges of the Church, which led to open conflict with many of the Italian states; in April 1606 he excommunicated the entire government of Venice.
Condemned the oath of allegiance of King James I of England.
Ordered Galileo Galilei not to defend the heliocentric ideas of Copernicus.
Financed the completion of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Supported and improved the Vatican Library.
Like many popes of his era, he was guilty of nepotism.
![[Pope Paul V]](pope0233.jpg "25kb jpg detail of a photograph of a bust of Pope Paul V, date unknown, sculptor unknown, photographer unknown; if you have information about this image, please email me; please do not write to ask about the image")
