Pope Leo X (Medici) (dec 11, 1475 – dec 1, 1521)

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Lorenzo de' Medici was pope and ruler of the Papal States from 9 March 1513 to his death on 1 December 1521. Born into the prominent political and banking Medici family of Florence, Giovanni was the second son to Lorenzo and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1489. Following the death of Pope Julius II, Giovanni was elected pope after securing the backing of the younger members of the Sacred College. Early on in his rule he oversaw the closing sessions of the Fifth Council of the Lateran but struggled to implement the reforms agreed. In Protestant circles, Leo is associated with granting indulgences for those who donated to reconstruct St. Peter's Basilica, a practice that was soon challenged by Martin Luther's 95 Theses. He borrowed and spent money without circumspection and was a significant patron of the arts. Under his reign, progress was made on the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica, and artists such as Raphael decorated the Vatican rooms. Leo also reorganized the Roman University and promoted the study of literature, poetry, and antiquities.

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