Paul III, Alessandro Farnese was Pope from 1534 to 1549. He also called the Council of Trent in 1545. Born Alessandro Farnese in Canino, Latium, Italy, the peculiar day of February 29, he was descended through his mother from the Caetani family, which had also produced Pope Boniface VIII (1294–1303). He received his education at Rome and Florence from distinguished humanists, and became a protonotary at the Curia under Pope Innocent VIII (1484–92). From Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503) he received rapid promotion, becoming cardinal in 1493. He came near succeeding Pope Leo X (1513–21) and Pope Adrian VI (1522–23). Under Pope Clement VII (1523–34) he became Cardinal Bishop of Portus (Ostia) and dean of the College of Cardinals, and on the death of Clement VII in 1534, was elected as Pope Paul III.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... e_Paul_III View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Christianity • February 29 • Italy • Pisces • Popes • People