He was no founder of a new order: unlike his predecessors, Dominic and Francis, he never attempted to organize a society of saints or preachers; unlike his successors, Caraffa the Theatine and Loyola the Jesuit, he enrolled no militia for the defense of the faith, constructed no machinery for education.

Starting with simple horror at the wickedness of the world, he had recourse to the old prophets.

He steeped himself in Bible studies.

He caught the language of Malachi and Jeremiah.

He became convinced that for the wickedness of Italy a judgment was imminent.