557 years ago today, on February 29, 1468 (February 6, 1468, the lunar calendar), Pope Paul III was born. Pope Paul III, also translated as Paul III (February 29, 1468-November 10, 1549, period of his reign: 1534 - 1549), formerly known as Alessandro Farnese, excommunicated King Henry VIII of England, promoted the Counter-Reformation, recognized the Jesuits, and convened the Council of Trent. Pope Alexander VI's mistress Julia Farnese was his sister, and Pierre Luigi Farnese, the first Duke of Parma, was his eldest son.