Leo X, originally Giovanni de' Medici, (born December 11, 1475, Florence [Italy]—died December 1, 1521, Rome), one of the leading Renaissance popes (reigned 1513–21). read more
Leo X, originally Giovanni de’ Medici, (born December 11, 1475, Florence [Italy]—died December 1, 1521, Rome), one of the leading Renaissance popes (reigned 1513–21). He made Rome a cultural centre and a political power, but he depleted the papal treasury, and, by failing to take the developing Reformation seriously, he contributed to the dissolution of the Western church. read more
Pope Leo X spent money lavishly — on the arts; on charities; on benefices for his friends, relatives, and even people he barely knew; on dynastic wars, such as the War of Urbino; and on his own immoderate, personal luxury. read more
Pope Leo X was the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church when Martin Luther came up with the famous 95 theses, in 1517, making the case for Protestantism. Pope Leo X was also the son of the powerful Lorenzo de’ Medici, Sovereign of Florence in the 15th century - the one king to whom Machiavelli dedicated his magnum opus, “The Prince”. read more