Pope Leo X

Named a Cardinal

Mar 8, 1489

The year 1489, 8th of March, Giovanni de' Medici (Pope Leo X) was elevated to Cardinal at the age 13, subsequently progressing to the rank of cardinal deacon of Santa Maria in Domnica, the farther elevating him to such a rank, even though he was not allowed to wear the insignia(badge) or share in the considerations of the college until three years later. Within his time as cardinal, he received an education at Lorenzo's humanistic court under men like Angelo Poliziano and Pico della Mirandola

Revolt of Girolamo Savonarola

Nov 8, 1494

Giovanni de’ Medici left Rome by the revolt of Girolamo Savonarola, lead by King Charles VIII of France, Giovanni making his home with his elder brother Piero who lived in Florence. While Piero found refuge at Venice and Urbino, Giovanni within that time, travelled within the area of Germany, in Netherlands, and in the area of France, later making a return to Rome in the year 1500.

The Election of a New Pope

Mar 9, 1513

Giovanni de’ Medici was elected pope on the year 1513, 9th of Mrach, this information upon Giovanni de' Medici being elected pope only being proclaimed 2 days later. He was crowned Pope on 19 March 1513 at the age of 37 and was the last non-priest to be elected pope. Ever since being pope, Giovanni was known throughout Rome as Pope Leo X.

The Begining of Indulgences

Mar 15, 1517

Still not exact on the dates when Pope Leo X granted the extensive selling of Indulgences on this day, the main purpose of this was to make money from the selling of indulgences to put towards rebuilding St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. On March 15th, 1517, he offered indulgences to whom who would give alms towards rebuilding St. Peter's Basilica.

The Start of the Reformation

Oct 31, 1517

Thanks to Pope Leo X granting the extensive selling of indulgences, this enraged German Monk and key renaissance figure Martin Luther. Martin Luther vocally attacking the RCC by putting the 95 theses he had with the RCC on the RCC front door. One of the main problems Luther had with the RCC was about the selling of indulgences, thanks to the selling of indulgences, Martin Luther managed to make the RCC to lose some of the major power that the RCC contained.

The Excomunication

Jan 3, 1521

Leo failed to fully comprehend the importance of the reformation and in February 1518 he directed the vicar-general of the Augustinians to impose silence on his monks. Due to the attack of Martin Luther, setting a spark to the reformation of the Renaissance, Pope Leo became disturbed and was eager to take action, so he started a Protestant reformation, starting with the excommunication of Luther from heaven.