Marcellus II was a short-lived pope who served from April 9 to May 1, 1555. Born as Marcello Cervini in 1501, he was a cardinal before his papacy and was known for his scholarly background and commitment to reforming the Church. His election came during a time of significant religious tension in Europe. During his brief papacy, Marcellus II focused on addressing issues within the Catholic Church and promoting moral integrity among clergy. However, his reign lasted only 22 days due to his sudden death, making him one of the shortest-serving popes in history.