Iulius II Pope from October 31, 1503 to February 21, 1513. Date of Birth: 05.12.1443 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Julius II
2. A Powerful Patron of the Arts
3. A Defender of the Papal State
4. A Legacy of Artistic Patronage

Biography of Julius II

Julius II, born Giuliano della Rovere on December 5, 1443, in Albisola near Savona, is known as one of the most militant popes in history. He served as the Pope of Rome from October 31, 1503, to February 21, 1513.

A Powerful Patron of the Arts

Julius II is not only remembered for his military endeavors but also for his generous (though despotic) patronage of the arts. He was responsible for commissioning some of the most iconic works of the Renaissance period.

During a conclave, Julius II managed to secure the papal tiara through bribery, as he had successfully influenced a significant number of electors. However, three years later, as Pope Julius II, he strongly condemned any attempts at bribery during future conclaves.

A Defender of the Papal State

Before his papacy, Giuliano della Rovere joined the Franciscan order, where he received a good education. As a cardinal appointed by his uncle, Pope Sixtus IV, he worked diligently to strengthen his family's influence within the papal state. Giuliano presented himself to the cardinal electors as a champion of peace and the independence of the papacy. However, his pontificate was marked by continuous military campaigns, often with Pope Julius II personally leading his armies into battle.

In these campaigns, Pope Julius II ordered the presence of a bearer carrying the Holy Relics as a symbol of divine protection. His main adversaries were Venice and France. Through his wars, Julius succeeded in expanding the territory of the papal state significantly. To protect the borders and privileges of the papal state, he established the Swiss Guard, a military force consisting of unmarried and experienced volunteers from Switzerland. The colorful uniforms of the Swiss Guard were designed by Michelangelo. The honorary guards standing alongside the Pope today are remnants of this larger force that existed during Julius II's time.

A Legacy of Artistic Patronage

Julius II is renowned for his generous patronage of the arts. In 1506, construction began on the new St. Peter's Basilica according to the plans of architect Donato Bramante (1444-1514). In 1512, the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, considered the pinnacle of Michelangelo Buonarroti's (1475-1564) artistic genius, were unveiled. Michelangelo was also responsible for the unfinished tomb of Julius II and the magnificent dome crowning the Vatican Basilica. From 1508 to 1512, the Vatican Palace's apartments were adorned by another renowned artist, Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520).

Julius II, like his predecessors, favored his relatives by appointing members of the Della Rovere family and their related Orsini family as bishops and cardinals. It became customary for the Pope's closest nephew, known as the "nephew," to receive a cardinal's hat and hold the position of papal governor in the Roman Curia. Julius II ensured that his illegitimate children, of which he had several, entered into advantageous marriages that brought them wealth, honor, and connected the Della Rovere family with the noblest families in Europe.

In 1512, the Pope convened the 18th Ecumenical Council at the Lateran Palace to discuss Church reform. This was in response to the unanimous demand of many representatives of Western Christianity at the time. Due to illness, Julius II did not personally participate in the council's work. He passed away on February 21, 1513.

Julius II was the first pope whose body was embalmed, preserving his remains for future generations to remember his remarkable papacy.