> Servite cardinal and preacher. Born in Florence, Italy, to a noble family, he was educated in Paris and Padua where he earned a doctorate in medicine and philosophy. He practiced medicine for some time, but in 1253 he joined the Servite Order in Florence. He served as a lay brother until 1259, when his superiors directed him to be ordained. Philip soon became known as one of the foremost preachers of his era, becoming master of novices at Siena in 1262 and then superior of several friaries and prior general of the Servites against his own wishes. in 1267. Reforming the order with zeal and patience, he was named as a possible candidate to become pope by the influential Cardinal Ottobuoni just before the election to choose a successor to Pope Clement IV. Continue reading: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5432 > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) needs your help. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations from people like you. Please, consider [making a donation.](https://ycvf.org/products/donate%20Online%20Ads%20Humbly_primary) Just $5.00, the price of a cup of coffee, can help ensure Catholic Online School continues to thrive.* > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) (a 501(c)(3) corporation) is a Project of [Your Catholic Voice Foundation](https://ycvf.org/), a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.*