Pope Leo X, born Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici in 1475, served as pope from 1513 until his death in 1521. He was a member of the powerful Medici family and is known for his patronage of the arts, which helped to foster the Renaissance in Rome. His papacy was marked by significant cultural achievements, including the commissioning of works from artists like Raphael and Michelangelo. However, Leo X's reign also faced challenges, particularly regarding the growing discontent with the Catholic Church. His approval of the sale of indulgences to fund the construction of St. Peter's Basilica contributed to the rise of the Protestant Reformation, led by figures such as Martin Luther. Leo X's legacy is thus a complex blend of artistic patronage and religious controversy.