Paul IV (1476-1559) was pope from 1555 to 1559. He was one of the most energetic of the reforming popes of the 16th century. Known for his harsh and imperialistic manner, he broke many of the papal ties with the secular elements of the Renaissance....

When New York's Al Smith, the first Catholic Presidential candidate in the nation's history, lost the 1928 election, comedians said that Smith sent a one-word telegram to the Pope: "Unpack."With the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the 265th Bishop of Rome, one New York...