Leo X

Citizen of the Republic of Florence. Son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Closed the Fifth Council of the Lateran (1517). Remembered for granting indulgences to those who donated to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica and for excommunicating Martin Luther (1521). Extended the Spanish Inquisition into Portugal.

Borrowed and spent money without circumspection and was a significant patron of the arts. Under his reign, progress was made on the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica, and artists such as Raphael decorated the Vatican rooms. Leo X also reorganized the Roman University and promoted the study of literature, poetry, and antiquities. Last pope to not have been in the priestly orders at the time of his election to the papacy.