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 Portrait of Pope Clement VII by Sebastiano del Piombo Public Domain More in Who's WhoMore about Clement VIIEncyclopedia Article about about Clement VIIThe Tudor Dynasty: A History in Portraits More Resources Related to Clement VIIPope Clement VIIThis profile of Pope Clement VII is part of Who's Who in Medieval History A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Pope Clement VII was also known as: Giulio de' Medici Pope Clement VII is noted for: Failing to recognize and deal with the significant changes of the Reformation. Indecisive and in over his head, Clement's inability to stand strong against the powers of France and the Holy Roman Empire made an unstable situation worse. He was the pope whose refusal to give England's king Henry VIII a divorce touched off the English Reformation. Occupation & Role in Society: Places of Residence and Influence: Important Dates: About Clement VII: Giulio de' Medici was the illegitimate son of Giuliano de' Medici, and he was raised by Giuliano's brother, Lorenzo the Magnificent. In 1513 his cousin, Pope Leo X, made him archbishop of Florence and cardinal. Giuliano influenced Leo's policies, and also planned some impressive works of art to honor his family. As pope, Clement wasn't up to the challenge of the Reformation. He failed to understand the significance of the Lutheran movement, and allowed his involvement in Europe's political sphere to reduce his effectiveness in spiritual matters. Emperor Charles V had supported Clement's candidacy for pope, and he saw the Empire and the Papacy as a partnership. However, Clement allied himself with Charles' longtime enemy, Francis I of France, in the League of Cognac. This rift eventually resulted in imperial armies sacking Rome and imprisoning Clement in the castle of Sant'Angelo. Even after his confinement ended several months later, Clement remained under imperial influence. His compromised position interfered with his ability to deal with Henry VIII's request for an annulment, and he was never able to make any viable decisions regarding the upheaval that the Reformation had become. More Clement VII Resources:
Encyclopedia Article about Clement VII Clement VII in Print
edited by Kenneth Gouwens and Sheryl E. Reiss Chronicle of the Popes: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Papacy over 2000 Years Clement VII on the Web
Substantive biography by Herbert Thurston at the Catholic Encyclopedia. The Reformation Who's Who Directories: More in Who's WhoMore about Clement VIIEncyclopedia Article about about Clement VIIThe Tudor Dynasty: A History in Portraits More Resources Related to Clement VII |
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