Pope Sixtus IV

Pope Sixtus IV, who reigned from 1471 to 1484, was a significant figure in the Renaissance period. He is known for his patronage of the arts, commissioning works from famous artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, which greatly enriched the cultural landscape of Rome. Sixtus IV also played a role in political alliances and conflicts, including the establishment of the Vatican as an influential power. His papacy was marked by both artistic achievements and controversies, particularly regarding nepotism and political machinations, reflecting the complexities of the Church's role during a transformative time in European history.