History of Europe

What are facts about Pope Clement VII?

* Born: Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, May 26, 1478, Florence, Republic of Florence

* Died: September 25, 1534, Rome, Papal States

* Reign: November 18, 1523 – September 25, 1534

* Predecessor: Adrian VI

* Successor: Paul III

* Papal name: Clement VII

Other facts:

* Clement VII was a member of the powerful Medici family of Florence.

* He was made a cardinal at the age of 17.

* He was a successful diplomat and politician before becoming pope.

* He was elected pope following the death of Adrian VI in 1523.

* His reign was marked by a number of challenges, including the Protestant Reformation, the sack of Rome by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1527, and the conflict between France and the Habsburgs.

* He was also responsible for the annulment of King Henry VIII of England's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which led to the English Reformation.

* Clement VII died in 1534 at the age of 56. He is buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.