Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Pope Leo X born, South Carolina mandates church attendance

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pope Leo X born – Dec. 11, 1475

A 16th century portrait of Pope Leo X
A 16th century portrait of Pope Leo X | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Leo X, the head of the Roman Catholic Church who excommunicated Martin Luther in 1521, was born in Florence, Italy.

Originally named Giovanni de’ Medici and part of the prominent Italian family, Leo X became pontiff in 1513, with his reign seeing the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Known for his extensive support of the arts, his accelerating of the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica and many political battles with France and Spain, Leo left behind a complex legacy.

“He made Rome a cultural center and a political power, but he depleted the papal treasury, and, by failing to take the developing Reformation seriously, he contributed to the dissolution of the Western church,” noted Britannica.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles