Julius II

Citizen of the Republic of Genoa. Nephew of Sixtus IV. Member of the Franciscan Order. Nicknamed the "Warrior Pope" or the "Fearsome Pope". Became pope in the context of the Italian Wars, a period in which the major powers of Europe fought for primacy in the Italian peninsula. Took control of all the Papal States for the first time. Established the Vatican Museums and initiated the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica.

The same year, he organized the famous Swiss Guard for his personal protection and commanded a successful campaign in Romagna against the local lords. The interests of Julius II also lay in the New World, as he ratified the Treaty of Tordesillas (1506), establishing the first bishoprics in the Americas and starting the catholicization of Latin America. Commissioned the four Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel (1508). Convened the Fifth Council of the Lateran (1512). Julius II was described by Machiavelli in his works as the ideal prince. Julius II allowed people seeking indulgences to donate money to the Church, which would be used for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.