Pope Leo X (217º): Medici Pope, Luther & St. Peter's Basilica
Pontificate: 9 March 1513–1 December 1521
Leo X LEO Decimus was the 217th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 9 March 1513–1 December 1521 during the Renaissance papacy. Last pope to not have been in the priestly orders at the time of his election to the papacy.
Who Was Pope Leo X LEO Decimus?
This biography of Leo X LEO Decimus (217º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include Reformation Era. During the Renaissance papacy, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici. Born 11 December 1475 Florence, Republic of Florence, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Citizen of the Republic of Florence.
Historical Context
Leo X LEO Decimus sat on the Chair of Peter during the Renaissance, when popes were among the most powerful patrons of art and architecture in Europe — but also faced corruption scandals, the Protestant Reformation, and the discovery of the New World. Closed the Fifth Council of the Lateran(1517). Under his reign, progress was made on the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica, and artists such as Raphael decorated the Vatican rooms.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (9 March 1513–1 December 1521) centered on governance during the Renaissance papacy. Son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Remembered for granting indulgences to those who donated to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica and for excommunicating Martin Luther(1521). Extended the Spanish Inquisition into Portugal.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Leo X LEO Decimus left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. Borrowed and spent money without circumspection and was a significant patron of the arts. Leo X also reorganized the Roman University and promoted the study of literature, poetry, and antiquities.
Key Highlights
- 217th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 9 March 1513–1 December 1521
- Closed the Fifth Council of the Lateran(1517).
- Last pope to not have been in the priestly orders at the time of his election to the papacy.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Leo X LEO Decimus remains pope 217º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the Renaissance papacy, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying Leo X LEO Decimus helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the Renaissance papacy — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
Leo X LEO Decimus followed Pope Julius II (216º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Adrian VI (218º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.