The Battle Hostile_encounter of Lepanto was a naval engagement Hostile_encounter that took place Process_start on 7 October 1571 when a fleet Military_operation of the Holy League , a coalition of European Catholic states arranged Arranging by Pope Pius V , inflicted a major defeat on the fleet Military_operation of the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras .

Pope Pius V instituted Coming_to_be the feast of Our Lady of Victory Getting , and Philip II of Spain used Using the victory to strengthen Cause_change_of_strength his position as the `` Most Catholic King '' and defender of Christendom against Muslim incursion .