About Pope St. Pius V
Pope St. Pius V (1504–1572) was born Antonio Ghislieri in Bosco, Italy. Entering the Dominican Order at a young age, he became known for his deep prayer, love of truth, and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church. After serving as a bishop and cardinal, he was elected pope in 1566.
As pope, St. Pius V faithfully carried out the reforms of the Council of Trent, strengthening the Church through renewed discipline, sound doctrine, and the proper celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. He published the Roman Catechism, revised the Roman Missal and Roman Breviary, and worked tirelessly to combat heresy and promote authentic Catholic teaching.
St. Pius V is especially remembered for encouraging the faithful to pray the Holy Rosary before the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. After the Christian victory, which was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he established the feast now celebrated as Our Lady of the Rosary.
Known for his humility, charity toward the poor, and devotion to prayer, Pope St. Pius V died on May 1, 1572. He was canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1712.
His feast day is celebrated on April 30.
Who was Pope St. Pius V?
Pope St. Pius V was a Dominican friar who became pope from 1566 to 1572. He is remembered for faithfully implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent, promoting the Holy Rosary, defending the Catholic faith, and living a life of holiness and simplicity.
What is the Pope St. Pius V Novena for?
Catholics commonly pray this novena for:
- Fidelity to the Catholic faith
- Protection of the Church
- Holy priests, bishops, and religious
- Courage to defend the truth
- Perseverance during trials
- Growth in holiness
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the Pope St. Pius V Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it before April 30, the feast of Pope St. Pius V, or whenever they seek his intercession for the Church or for strength in the faith.
How do I pray the Pope St. Pius V Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Present your personal intention, pray the novena prayer, and conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father…
- Pray One: Hail Mary…
- Pray One: Glory Be…
Why is Pope St. Pius V associated with the Holy Rosary?
Before the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, Pope St. Pius V asked Catholics throughout Europe to pray the Rosary for victory and peace. After the Christian fleet prevailed, he credited the triumph to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and established a feast in her honor, now known as Our Lady of the Rosary.
What reforms did Pope St. Pius V make?
Pope St. Pius V implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent by promoting sound Catholic doctrine, reforming the liturgy, publishing the Roman Catechism, revising the Roman Missal and Roman Breviary, and encouraging greater holiness among the clergy and faithful.
Was Pope St. Pius V a Dominican?
Yes. Before becoming pope, St. Pius V was a member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). His Dominican spirituality shaped his lifelong commitment to prayer, preaching, study, and defending the truth of the Catholic faith.
What can we learn from Pope St. Pius V?
Pope St. Pius V teaches us to remain faithful to Christ and His Church, to love the Holy Rosary, to defend the truth with charity and courage, and to trust in God’s providence during times of trial. His life reminds us that holiness is rooted in prayer, humility, and steadfast obedience to God.
| Novena Begins: | April 21 |
| Feast Day: | April 30 |
Patron Saint of Italy , Malta
Day 1 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Pope St. Pius V Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Pope Saint Pius V, in the midst of the darkness and confusion that so often threaten the world, watch over the faithful flock of Christ. Bless us, strengthen us, and increase the number of those who faithfully follow the Gospel.
Keep us firmly united to the Holy Catholic Church, steadfast in the true Faith and faithful to her sacred teachings and holy traditions. Preserve us from error and grant us the courage to remain faithful to Christ in every trial.
Intercede for the Church, that she may always be blessed with holy priests, bishops, and religious who are zealous in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the Faith, and leading souls to holiness by their words and example.
(Mention your request here…)
O holy Pope, you were once the faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock on earth. Continue now to watch over the Church from Heaven, praying for all God’s people until the faithful are gathered into His eternal Kingdom.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to persevere in faith, hope, and charity, and to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ until the end of our lives.
Amen.
Pope Saint Pius V, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…