Childhood: Born as Giuliano Della Rovere, he did not become known as Pope Julius II until 1503. Despite little being known about Pope Julius’ birth, with various sources stating it could be as early as 1443 to as late as 1453, we can get a much better understanding of his upbringing. He was the son of Rafaello della Rovere and Theodora Manerola. He first was an altar boy to the Pope but did not join the order of St. Francis until 1471. His uncle were to become Pope Sixtus IV.
Career: In 1471, his Uncle Pope Sixtus IV made Pope Julius, who at this time was still Della Rovere, a cardinal. Yet it was not until 1503 that he became Pope. He became one of the most feared and powerful rulers during the renaissance period, gaining the name “The Warrior Pope”, leading many many military efforts to hold off the oncoming attacks from France. In addition to this he was best known for being a patron of the arts, with Raphael being the man responsible for painting his private rooms while Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. Pope Julius II died from fever in February 1513.
Importance in Henry’s reign: Pope Julius was the man who altered the law to allow Henry VIII to marry Catherine of Aragon, as it previously stated that a man could not marry his brother’s widow. In addition to this, the Holy League of which Pope Julius II joined in 1511, was also joined by Henry VIII as they battled against the French. This was significant as it showed that Henry VIII was allies with the Papacy, a scene which changed dramatically following Pope Leo X succeeded Pope Julius II, as the pair battled continuously, in particular over the divorce between Henry and Catherine, which even led to a complete, nation-wide shake up of Religion in England.
George Foster
Career: In 1471, his Uncle Pope Sixtus IV made Pope Julius, who at this time was still Della Rovere, a cardinal. Yet it was not until 1503 that he became Pope. He became one of the most feared and powerful rulers during the renaissance period, gaining the name “The Warrior Pope”, leading many many military efforts to hold off the oncoming attacks from France. In addition to this he was best known for being a patron of the arts, with Raphael being the man responsible for painting his private rooms while Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. Pope Julius II died from fever in February 1513.
Importance in Henry’s reign: Pope Julius was the man who altered the law to allow Henry VIII to marry Catherine of Aragon, as it previously stated that a man could not marry his brother’s widow. In addition to this, the Holy League of which Pope Julius II joined in 1511, was also joined by Henry VIII as they battled against the French. This was significant as it showed that Henry VIII was allies with the Papacy, a scene which changed dramatically following Pope Leo X succeeded Pope Julius II, as the pair battled continuously, in particular over the divorce between Henry and Catherine, which even led to a complete, nation-wide shake up of Religion in England.
George Foster