Cardinal Oliviero Carafa

Cardinal Oliviero Carafa was a prominent figure in the history of the Catholic Church. Born in Naples in 1430, he became a cardinal in 1536 and wielded significant influence during the papacy of Paul III. He was the founder of the Theatine Order, a religious congregation dedicated to the reform of the clergy and the promotion of spiritual life. Carafa also played a significant role in the Inquisition and was known for his rigor and religious fervor. However, his legacy is also marked by controversy, as during his pontificate under the name Paul IV, he promulgated harsh measures against Jews and particularly Jewish converts. His papacy was filled with conflicts and confrontations, both with Italian princes and other European powers.