Pope Gregory XIV, born Niccolò Sfondrati in 1535, served as the 226th pope from 1590 until his death in 1591. He was elected pope during a time of political and religious turmoil in Europe, following the Counter-Reformation. His papacy focused on strengthening the Catholic Church and addressing issues of corruption within the clergy. During his short reign, Gregory XIV canonized several saints and continued the work of his predecessor, Pope Sixtus V, in reforming the Church. He also dealt with the ongoing challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and sought to promote Catholic unity across Europe.