Leo X

Leo X was the Pope from 1513 to 1521, known for his lavish lifestyle and patronage of the arts, which contributed to the Renaissance. He was born Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici and came from the influential Medici family in Florence. His papacy faced significant challenges, including the growing calls for reform within the Catholic Church, which ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation. Leo X is perhaps best known for the controversial sale of indulgences, which allowed people to buy forgiveness for sins—a practice that catalyzed criticism and dissent against his authority and the Church.