Renaissance Popes: Creation of New Rome - Essay Example

Moreover, developments in Italy were greater as compared to its neighboring countries which can be associated with the efforts of the Renaissance popes that were actively involved in politics and increasing the revenues of the church (1). At the end of the 15th century, Rome had become the cultural centre of Italy (Chase 4). The Renaissance popes had requested men of talent all over Italy to take part in the development of the country’s capital (4). Rome was recreated using the tremendous wealth of the church as well as of the popes, building the “St.

Peter’s, the Vatican, the churches, the tombs, the squares and the great palaces and gardens that today make Rome one of the most beautiful cities in the world” (4). Through this developments, “Rome had became the venue where appointments to ecclesiastical offices were made, legal disputes argued, cases of conscience reviewed, and spiritual favors gained” (Stinger 123). However, the financial aspect practiced by the renaissance papacy resulted to suspicions and mistrusts among the people in Rome and outsiders claiming the practices are too worldly (123).

Each of the outstanding popes had their own addition to the current status of Rome. Pope Sixtus IV came from a poor family but ruthlessly pursued greatness by being sensual, self-indigent, an excellent administrator, and a generous patron of the arts (Chase 5). Among his contributions in the beautification of the city are road widening, construction of churches, building hospital, and most importantly and his greatest glory is the construction of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican, bearing Pope Sixtus IV’s name, that required the collaboration of the greatest artists at that time (5).

Pope Alexander VI has strong passion and emotions. He provided the needs of his mistress who gave him a number of children; and he even used his powers to promote their interests and causes (5). As a pope, he was firm in ensuring that the papal possessions are more firmly in the control of the church as compared to his predecessors (5). His first actions were to restore the public order and the punctual payment of every salary (Burckhardt 44). Pope Julius II (1503-1513) was the successor of Alexander VI.

According to Jacob Burckhardt, “he was the savior of the Papacy” (47). His ultimate goal is to for the papacy to be completely and absolutely independent of interference from other royalties (Chase 5). To further develop the city, he employed Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and also hired Raphael to paint the walls of Vatican. His greatest achievement is his plan of rebuilding the St. Peter’s, the world’s largest Christian church, after a plan from Bramante (5).

The climax of the renaissance papacy was when Pope Leo X (1513-1521) took position. He is the son of Lorenzo de’ Medici and a member of the richest family in Italy, owning several banks across the country (Stinger 130). “Leo X used the wealth of the church to promote pageantry and for building projects” (Chase 5). He also accelerated the completion of the St. Peter’s Basilica (Berdine 2). The profession as an artist became very profitable in 15th century (5), which is also the period of experimentation and technical mastery (Berdine 7).

Vast constructions and developments in Rome provided several opportunities for local and foreign artists. Also, the renewed view of the elitist people on art increased the demand of “