Pope Paul II, born Giovanni Battista Cibo in 1417, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1464 until his death in 1471. He was known for his efforts to strengthen the papacy and improve the administration of the Church. His papacy was marked by a focus on the arts and education, as he supported various cultural initiatives in Renaissance Italy. During his time as pope, Paul II also dealt with political challenges, including conflicts with Venice and Naples. He was a proponent of the Council of Florence and sought to address issues of Church reform. His legacy includes a commitment to both spiritual and temporal leadership.