Urban IV (1261-64) was a pope of the Catholic Church during the 13th century. He was born Jacques Pantaléon in Troyes, France, and was the son of a wealthy merchant. He studied at the University of Paris and was ordained a priest in 1261. He was elected pope in 1261, taking the name Urban IV.
Urban IV was a reformer who sought to strengthen the papacy and the Church. He was a strong advocate of papal supremacy and sought to increase the power of the papacy over the Church. He also sought to reform the Church's finances and administration. He was a strong supporter of the Franciscan Order and sought to promote its growth and influence.
Urban IV was a strong supporter of the Crusades and sought to encourage the faithful to take part in them. He issued a papal bull in 1263, calling for a new Crusade to the Holy Land. He also sought to strengthen the Church's presence in the East, sending missionaries to the region.
Urban IV was a strong supporter of education and sought to promote the study of theology and philosophy. He established the University of Rome and encouraged the study of the liberal arts. He also sought to promote the study of the Bible and encouraged the translation of the Bible into the vernacular.
Urban IV was a strong supporter of the arts and sought to promote the development of art and architecture. He commissioned the construction of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome and encouraged the development of Gothic architecture. He also sought to promote the development of music and encouraged the composition of sacred music.
Urban IV was a strong supporter of the poor and sought to promote their welfare. He established the first papal charity, the Papal Almshouse, which provided food and shelter to the poor. He also sought to promote the welfare of the sick and the elderly, establishing hospitals and hospices throughout Europe.
Urban IV was a strong supporter of the papacy and sought to strengthen its power and influence. He sought to increase the power of the papacy over the Church and sought to reform the Church's finances and administration. He was a strong supporter of the Crusades and sought to encourage the faithful to take part in them. He was a strong supporter of education and sought to promote the study of theology and philosophy. He was a strong supporter of the arts and sought to promote the development of art and architecture. He was a strong supporter of the poor and sought to promote their welfare. Urban IV was a pope who sought to strengthen the papacy and the Church and promote the welfare of the faithful.