Gallery, Section One Pope Sixtus V GIOVANNI ANTONIO NO DATE 1585 to 1590 This Pontiff was a Franciscan who chose the name of Sixtus because Sixtus IV had also been a Franciscan. His family was not Italian, but from Dalmatia and lowly born. Sixtus was born in Italy after his parents fled the Turks. His first task as Pope was to restore order, including the papal revenues. He accomplished this in two short years; he himself lived frugally and expected his cardinals to do likewise. he spent lavishly on the Church and on the restoration of Rome. His work there is his greatest achievement. While he did not build "baroque Rome" he did more than any other Pontiff to give it this tone. including the refurbishment of the Lateran Palace. Sixtus completed the Quirinal and the dome of St. Peter's as well as rebuilt the Vatican itself, especially the Library and the papal apartments as they still exist now. He was the Pontiff who established the five year ad limina visits of the world's bishops to Rome and the the fifteen Roman congregations of the Holy See. All graphic accessories on this page copyrighted by Catholic Tradition. Contact Us- TRADITION-----------------GALLERIES----------------------THE PAPACY www.catholictradition.org/Papacy/papal-gallery66.htm