Paul III (1468-1549), pope (1534-1549), who initiated the Counter Reformation. Born Alessandro Farnese, he was a vocal supporter of reform in the Roman Catholic church. He revived the Inquisition, but many considered his nepotistic appointments a sign of weakness. Under his orders Michelangelo began his work on the Sistine Chapel, and other major structures were commissioned.

Politically, Paul strengthened the papal hold on central Italy. He negotiated the Treaty of Nice (1538) between the Holy Roman emperor Charles V and King Francis I of France, and he excommunicated Henry VIII of England in that same year. Paul called the Council of Trent (see Trent, Council of), but failed to retain the support of the European monarchs. He also authorized the establishment of the Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, an important element in the Counter Reformation.