11 December 1475 A.D. Giovanni de’ Medici—Later Leo X; Church Split on His Watch

11 December 1475 A.D.  Giovanni de’ Medici—Later Leo X;  Church Split on His Watch http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/birthdays/12-11.html

Giovanni de' Medici (1475 to 1521)

Roman Church

The Church Spilt on His Watch.

Giovanni de' Medici, the man who became Leo X, was born. His father had him made cardinal at the youthful age of thirteen. His life was eventful, including time spent as a prisoner of war. As pope, he was known as a patron of art and science. It was to repair St. Peter's Cathedral that he had an indulgence preached. When Luther opposed this, the Reformation was born. Leo has been described as more a prince than a pope. His secular tastes and inability to see the need of reform proved costly to church unity.