Leo X
A Medici pope and great Renaissance patron. His pontificate coincided with the beginning of Luther’s Reformation and intensive political and cultural activity in Italy.
This complete profile is available in English. Bibliographic titles retain their original language. Links marked ES open the Spanish edition.
Key details
Birth: 11 December 1475 Documented
Death: 1 December 1521 Documented
Role: Pope
Dynasty: Medici
Territories: Papal States (ES)
Recorded relationships
Sources for this profile
- Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND authority record · Leo X., Papst
- Treccani · Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
Biographical and contextual references in their original language. Sources and methodology.
Evidence for this profile
5 recorded claims · 1 without a claim-specific source. Context references do not by themselves verify every fact.
Dates (2/2 with a precise source)
- BirthDocumented
11 December 1475
The authority record gives the birth as 1475-12-11. - DeathDocumented
1 December 1521
The authority record gives the death as 1521-12-01.
Family and relationships (1/2 with a precise source)
- FatherDocumented
Lorenzo de’ Medici
The authority record identifies Lorenzo de’ Medici (GND 118574418) as father. - MotherPending review
Clarice Orsini
A precise source has not yet been added.
Governments (1/1 with a precise source)
- GovernmentDocumented
Pope · Papal States · 1513–1521
The authority record dates this office to 1513–1521.
Biographical and contextual references (3)
Editorial history
- 2026-10-12 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-08 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-10-03 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
- 2026-09-30 · The duchy is limited to Dijon and Autun; each other fief now enters the map only under its dated ruler. John III of Namur and the Nevers/Rethel branch were added. The previous shape combined later counties and unrelated lands as if all belonged to the duchy from 1363.
- 2026-09-28 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
Follow this person through history
The papal families
Orsini, Colonna, Borgia, Della Rovere, Medici and the Rome of the cardinal-nephews
Start readingStoryIn search of the Mona Lisa
Leonardo’s life and the women behind the mystery
Start readingStory · Spanish originalThe Protestant Reformation
Humanism, the Reformation, imperial politics and the response of Trent
Start readingMore paths from Leo X
Family
Lorenzo de’ Medici“the Magnificent”De facto ruler of Florence · Patron of the arts1449 – 1492Clarice Orsini · ESConsort1453 – 1488
