Pope Clement VII Profile

Pope Clement VII Profile 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, Clements 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 Englands king Henry VIII a divorce touched off the English Reformation. Occupation and Role in Society: Pope Places of Residence and Influence: Italy Important Dates: Born: May 26, 1478, Florence Elected pope: Nov. 18, 1523 Imprisoned by the Emperors troops: May, 1527 Died: Sept. 25, 1534 About Clement VII: Giulio de Medici was the illegitimate son of Giuliano de Medici, and he was raised by Giulianos brother, Lorenzo the Magnificent. In 1513 his cousin, Pope Leo X, made him archbishop of Florence and cardinal. Giuliano influenced Leos policies, and also planned some impressive works of art to honor his family. As pope, Clement wasnt up to the challenge of the Reformation. He failed to understand the significance of the Lutheran movement and allowed his involvement in Europes political sphere to reduce his effectiveness in spiritual matters. Emperor Charles V had supported Clements 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 SantAngelo. Even after his confinement ended several months later, Clement remained under imperial influence. His compromised position interfered with his ability to deal with Henry VIIIs request for an annulment, and he was never able to make any viable decisions regarding the upheaval that the Reformation had become. edited by Kenneth Gouwens and Sheryl E. Reissby P. G. Maxwell-Stuart