Editing Pope Innocent IX (section)

===Early life and priesthood===
Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti was born in [[Bologna]] on 22 July 1519,{{sfn|Germe-Tizon|2002|p=800}} son of Antonio della Noce, called "il Facchinetto", and Francesca Cini. His father's family was originally from [[Cravegna]], in the [[Val d'Ossola]] (where his birthplace still stands).{{cn|date=December 2024}} The surname of his family seems to have actually been Nocetti (or de Nuce), but in fact the future pontiff was called Facchinetti after the humble job carried out by his father, who was a porter.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

Giovanni studied at the [[University of Bologna]] - which was pre-eminent in jurisprudence&nbsp;— where he obtained a doctorate in both civil and canon law in 1544. He was later ordained to the priesthood on 11 March 1544 and was appointed a canon of the church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio of [[Domodossola]] in 1547.{{sfn|Martin|1993|p=183}}

Giovanni traveled to Rome and he became the secretary to Cardinal [[Niccolò Ardinghelli]].{{sfn|Weber|1910}} He entered the service of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the [[Archbishop of Avignon]], who sent Facchinetti to Avignon as his ecclesiastical representative and subsequently recalled him to the management of his affairs at Parma.{{sfn|Grendler|1971|p=449}} He was also made the Referendary of the [[Apostolic Signatura]] in 1559 and held that post for a year.