Pope Sixtus IV
Pope Sixtus IV, born Francesco della Rovere in 1414, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1471 until his death in 1484. He is known for his efforts to strengthen the papacy and for his role in the construction of the Sistine Chapel, which was named in his honor. Sixtus IV also established the Roman Inquisition to address heresy and promote church doctrine.
During his papacy, Sixtus IV was a significant patron of the arts, commissioning works from renowned artists like Sandro Botticelli and Piero della Francesca. His reign was marked by political maneuvering, including alliances with various Italian states, which sometimes led to conflicts. Sixtus IV's legacy includes both his contributions to art and the controversies surrounding his political actions.