Pope Julius III (Latin: Iulius PP. III; Italian: Giulio III; 10 September 1487 – 23 March 1555), born Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 February 1550 to his death in 1555.. After a career as a distinguished and effective diplomat, he was elected to the papacy as a compromise candidate after the death of Paul III.