The Battle of Lepanto
Prior to this date there were serious threats to the Christian faith from the Ottoman invasion. In fact, on 1566, Pius V wrote the Grand Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem to dissuade him from his idea of leaving the island of Malta in anticipation of the imminent victory of the Turks: “Let go of the idea of leaving the island. Your mere presence in Malta inflames the courage to Christians and imposes respect from the Ottomans. Know that he fears you and all your soldiers.” The Grand Master changed his mind and stayed on the island. By the end of 1566 Pius V alerted all Catholic nations encouraging them to form a League in defense of Christianity. However, due to their internal problems, the leaders of the Catholic nations did not heed his call. Three years elapsed when the Ottomans destroyed the Venetian arsenal and sent an ultimatum: either Venice give up Cyprus or war. A league was formed among Spain, Cyprus and the Papal States under the command of Don Juan o...