Adriaan VI Pope from January 9, 1522 to September 14, 1523 Date of Birth: 02.03.1459 Country: Italy

Biography of Adrian VI

Adrian VI was born on March 2, 1459 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, into a poor family. Despite his humble origins, he received an education and became a teacher at the University of Leuven. Over time, he rose to the position of vice-chancellor at the university. Emperor Maximilian entrusted him with the education of his grandson, the future Emperor Charles V. In 1516, Adrian served as the co-regent of Spain. He was later appointed as the Bishop of Tortosa and received the cardinal's hat.

Unexpectedly, upon the death of Pope Leo X, the cardinal college decided to bestow the papal tiara on Adrian, who was absent from the conclave, hoping to gain the support of the House of Habsburg. Cardinal Adrian had never been to Rome before and, although he accepted his election as pope, he continuously postponed his arrival in the Eternal City. He had received news that the Romans were outraged by the election of a "foreigner" who came from the "lowest Flemish nation."

Finally, on August 31, 1522, his coronation took place. However, his reign was cut short as he did not have enough time to implement the reforms he desired for the customs of the Roman Curia. Nonetheless, he ordered the closure of the famous Vatican Belvedere, which was a place of entertainment for the papal court. He intended to take peacekeeping and unifying measures on the international stage and sought agreements with representatives of the Reformation.

Adrian, who did not change his name upon accepting the papal tiara, died on September 14, 1523. He was the last non-Italian pope until Pope John Paul II. Adrian VI supported his fellow countryman, Jan van Scorel, a master from Utrecht, who is attributed with the preserved portrait of the pontiff.