Pope Clement VII, born Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici in 1478, served as the 216th pope from 1523 until his death in 1534. He was a member of the influential Medici family and became pope during a tumultuous period marked by political and religious upheaval in Europe. His papacy is noted for the Sack of Rome in 1527, which significantly impacted the Catholic Church's authority. Clement VII faced challenges in balancing the interests of the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of France, leading to conflicts that affected his ability to govern effectively. He is also known for his role in the Renaissance, supporting the arts and commissioning works from artists like Michelangelo.