GREGORY XIV. (Nicoll Sfondrato), pope 1590-91, was born in Cremona on Feb. II, studied in Perugia and Padua, became bishop of his native place in 156o, took part in the Council of Trent, 1562-63, became a cardinal in 1583 and was elected to the papacy on Dec. 5, 159o. During his short pontificate the States of the Church suffered dire calamities, famine, epidemic and a fresh outbreak of brigandage. Gregory was completely sub servient to Philip II. ; he aided the league, excommunicated Henry of Navarre, and threatened his adherents with the ban; but the effect of his intervention was only to rally the moderate Catholics to the support of Henry, and to hasten his conversion. Gregory died on Oct. 15, 1591.
See M. Facini, 11 pontificales di Gregorio XIV. (1911).