–established by Pope Paul III
The Congregation of the Holy office – also known as the Roman Inquisition – was established, originally to counter Protestantism.
In 1555, when Cardinal Caraffa became Pope Paul IV, he immediately extended its operation, advocating the tracking down of all “suspects,” especially suspect conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity, but still practiced Judaism).
Until this date, many (‘returning’) conversos had found refuge in the Papal States and were able to return to Judaism unmolested.
After this, the Inquisition operated across the Papal States – Venice, Milan, Naples, Mantua, and Tuscany.
– Eli Birnbaum