Sixtus V

Sixtus V, born Francesco Peretti di Montalto in 1521, was Pope from 1585 to 1590. He is known for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, focusing on restoring papal authority and improving the efficiency of church administration. Sixtus V also modernized Rome's infrastructure, constructing new roads, bridges, and aqueducts, and initiating the construction of the famous Basilica of Saint Peter. His papacy marked a shift towards a more centralized and powerful papacy during the Counter-Reformation, addressing challenges from Protestantism and internal corruption within the Church. Sixtus V died in 1590 and left a lasting impact on the Vatican and Rome.