Sixtus V lived from 1520-90, and was pope from April, 1585 to August, 1590. He was born Felice Peretti, a farm worker's son, and joined the Franciscans at age twelve. "He served as inquisitor for Venice, procurator general and then vicar general of the Franciscan order and bishop" (McBrien 292-293) before becoming a cardinal in 1570.