A rigid uniformity was impressed on Catholicism.

The Pope, to whom such power had been committed by the Council, stood at the head of each section and department of the new organization.

To his approval every measure in the Church was referred, and the Jesuits executed his instructions with punctual exactness.
It is not, therefore, to be wondered that Pius V.should have opened the era of active hostilities against Protestantism.

Firmly allied with Philip II., he advocated attacks upon the Huguenots in France, the Protestants in Flanders, and the English crown.

There is no evidence that he was active in promoting the Massacre of S.Bartholomew, which took place three months after his death; and the expedition of the Invincible Armada against England was not equipped until another period of fifteen years had elapsed.