Gregory XV

Alessandro Ludovisi (1554-1623) was the son of Count Pompeo Ludovisi. Like many popes of the time, he had also came from a brilliant legal career in the Curia. A former Archbishop of Bologna and extraordinary nuncio in Savoy, he was elected pope in the conclave of 1621, succeeding Paul V Borghese. He chose the name Gregory XV, but his pontificate lasted barely two years. He influenced the development of European politics very little, but his name remains important because during his tenure (1622) the Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide), was founded, which was responsible for spreading the faith and destined to play a crucial role in following decades. Gregory XV was the pope who promoted the future cardinal and minister-favourite of the court of Louis XIII of France: Armand- Jean du Plessis de Richelieu.