Faith, Reform, and Valletta: Pope Pius V in Fr. Joe Ellul’s Latest Work
Joe Ellul’s latest book focuses on Michele Ghisleri (1504–1572), better known in history as Pope Pius V. Ellul chose this figure for several reasons. Like Ellul himself, Ghisleri was a member of the Dominican Order. Yet belonging to the Dominican Order alone does not warrant historical analysis. What distinguishes Ghisleri is that he not only rose to the papacy but was also canonised, eventually declared a saint and honoured at the altar. Still, even these remarkable credentials are not, by themselves, sufficient to explain Ellul’s interest. Other, more significant historical circumstances inspired him to undertake this study.
Michele Ghisleri was born on 17 January 1504 in Bosco Marengo, Piedmont, Italy. As a bishop and later a cardinal, he despised the intrigues of the Roman curia, which he regarded as harmful to the faith. As pope, he made it his personal mission to implement the decrees and reforms of the Council of Trent. Without him, the Council’s enduring influence on the Catholic Church, and the success of what has long been called the Counter-Reformation, now more commonly referred to as the Catholic Reformation, would have been far less specific. Yet Pius V did not confine his legacy to ecclesiastical reform. He was the last pope to exercise genuine dominance over international politics. Under his leadership, a “crusade” was organised, resulting in diplomatic alliances and culminating in the celebrated naval victory at the Battle of Lepanto.
Closer to Malta, Pius V was one of the principal European leaders who financed the construction of Valletta, ensuring that the island received a new capital city worthy of a state. His legacy for the Dominican Order was particularly significant: he granted the Dominicans authority to establish the first parish in Valletta, Porto Salvo, making it de facto and de jure the city’s inaugural parish. When Valletta was established, Malta was without a bishop, and thus no new parish could typically be erected. During Pius V’s pontificate, Malta was sede vacante. Bishop Domenico Cubelles had died in 1566, the same year that Pius V acceded to the papal throne. The pope refused the requests of both the Grand Master and Spain to appoint Royas as bishop of Malta, leaving the island without an episcopal head. That refusal demonstrates Pius V’s deep knowledge of the island’s circumstances. Royas was eventually appointed bishop of Malta in 1572, but only after the death of Pius V.
Ellul’s book, however, is not limited to recounting how Porto Salvo became one of the earliest Dominican-run parishes in the world. It is, above all, a study of how a man, first a friar and later a pope, sought to preserve and defend the Christian faith throughout his life. Even his support for the construction of Valletta and the establishment of its first parish must be interpreted within the broader context of his overriding mission to safeguard the faith in Malta.
The book traces Ghisleri’s life story, from his humble beginnings to his final resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore, the same Roman basilica Pope Francis chose as his burial site. Ellul also examines Ghisleri’s philosophical and theological outlook in depth.
Moreover, the book offers thought-provoking reflections on why the feast of the Shipwreck of Saint Paul is celebrated on 10 February. Indeed, Saint Paul did not arrive in Malta in February, so why was this date chosen for the feast? In Chapter 8, Ellul reminds us that the Holy League, established by Pope Pius V to confront the Ottomans, was formally constituted on 10 February 1572, when its members signed or renewed their agreement. This pact led to the creation of the Armada, which would defeat the Ottoman fleet at Lepanto. Furthermore, on 10 February 1566, the Order of St John held its Chapter General, during which it was formally agreed to build the new city of Valletta.
Written in Maltese, this volume forms part of a series dedicated to illustrious Dominican saints that Ellul has authored and published. Well produced and elegantly presented, it is a must-read for all admirers of Melitensia.