Climent VII Pope (1523-34). The Last Pope of the Renaissance Date of Birth: 26.05.1478 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Clement VII
2. Appointment as Archbishop and Cardinal
3. Papacy
4. Conflict with the Habsburgs
5. Recognition of Spanish-German Dominance
6. English Reformation
7. Death and Legacy

Biography of Clement VII

Clement VII was born on May 26, 1478 as Giulio de' Medici. He was the illegitimate son of Giuliano de' Medici, brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent, and Fioretta Gorini.

Appointment as Archbishop and Cardinal

Clement VII was appointed as the Archbishop of Florence and a cardinal by Adrian VI.

Papacy

After two months of disputes, Clement VII was elected as the Pope on November 19, 1523. His papacy, which lasted for 12 years, was marked by a series of continuous defeats and failures.

Conflict with the Habsburgs

Lacking diplomatic abilities, Clement VII engaged in negotiations with France, Venice, and Milan against the growing power of the Habsburgs. However, the army of Charles V proved to be stronger. German troops broke into Rome, causing extensive destruction to the city in an event known as the "Sack of Rome". This marked the end of the Renaissance papacy.

Recognition of Spanish-German Dominance

After seven months, Clement VII recognized the Spanish-German dominance on the Italian peninsula. In 1530, he acknowledged Charles V's right to the imperial crown. To maintain some support from the French, Clement convinced his niece Catherine de' Medici to marry Francis I's son, Henry II.

English Reformation

During the last years of his pontificate, a schism occurred between the English and Roman churches. The conflict arose not only from the dispute between Clement VII and Henry VIII, whom Pope Leo X had bestowed the title of "Defender of the Faith," but also from Henry's demand to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which the pope initially promised but later refused. The separation of the English Church from the papacy had deeper roots in the traditions of Christianity in the British Isles and the excessive autocracy of the papacy.

Death and Legacy

Clement VII passed away on September 25, 1534, and was buried in Santa Maria sopra Minerva. His death was not mourned by the significantly reduced population of Rome following the devastating sack of the city.