Pope Julius II, born Giuliano della Rovere on 5 December 1443, was one of the most remarkable and influential pontiffs of the Renaissance.
Known as “The Warrior Pope” for his military campaigns to expand the Papal States, Julius II was a patron of the arts and a shaper of history in ways that extended far beyond his time on the papal throne.
His name is linked with Michelangelo’s masterpieces and, intriguingly, with one of the most contentious events in English history—King Henry VIII’s divorce from Katherine of Aragon.
Early Life and Rise to the Papacy
Born in Liguria, Giuliano della Rovere’s destiny was the Church. His uncle, Pope Sixtus IV, appointed him as cardinal at the young age of 28, setting him on a path to great influence. After a series of ecclesiastical and political manoeuvres, Giuliano ascended to the papal throne in 1503, taking the name Julius II, in honour of Julius Caesar, whose military prowess and vision he admired.
From the outset, Julius demonstrated his determination to restore the political power of the Papacy. He launched campaigns to reclaim lands from powerful Italian families and foreign rulers, solidifying the Papal States as a central power in Italy. His leadership was bold and often controversial, earning him both admiration and enmity.
Julius II and Michelangelo
Pope Julius II’s legacy as a patron of the arts is unparalleled. Recognising the power of art to glorify the Church and his own papacy, he commissioned works that remain among the most celebrated in Western history.
Julius tasked Michelangelo with creating his tomb, an ambitious project that included over 40 statues and was intended to be a monumental symbol of his power. However, the tomb became a source of frustration for both men. Julius frequently diverted Michelangelo to other projects, most famously the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Under Julius’s direction, Michelangelo painted what is now regarded as one of the greatest achievements in art. The ceiling, depicting scenes from Genesis, including the iconic “Creation of Adam,” was completed between 1508 and 1512. Julius’s vision and Michelangelo’s genius combined to create a masterpiece that still draws millions of visitors to the Vatican.
Also read: A glimpse at the Sistine Chapel
Julius also supported Raphael, commissioning the artist to decorate the papal apartments. The Stanza della Segnatura, with its famous fresco “The School of Athens,” is another testament to Julius’s cultural impact.
The Divorce of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon
Julius II died in 1513, yet his papacy had far-reaching consequences. One of these was his involvement in the marriage of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, a union that would later plunge England into religious turmoil.
In 1509, shortly after ascending the English throne, Henry VIII married Katherine of Aragon, the widow of his elder brother, Arthur. This marriage required a papal dispensation because canon law prohibited unions between in-laws. Julius II granted this dispensation, affirming that Katherine and Arthur’s marriage had not been consummated and therefore did not constitute a canonical impediment.
Decades later, Henry sought to annul his marriage to Katherine, claiming it violated Church law despite Julius’s earlier ruling. Henry argued the marriage was cursed, citing the lack of a male heir as evidence. Katherine, however, steadfastly maintained her first marriage had not been consummated and that Julius’s dispensation was valid.
This dispute set the stage for Henry’s eventual break with the Catholic Church. When Pope Clement VII, Julius’s successor, refused to annul the marriage, Henry declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England, initiating the English Reformation. Julius’s earlier decision inadvertently became a cornerstone of one of the most dramatic religious upheavals in European history.
The Warrior Pope
Julius II’s reign was not confined to artistic patronage or theological decrees. He was a fierce military leader, personally donning armour and leading troops into battle to assert papal authority. His campaigns sought to expel foreign powers from Italy and restore lands under the direct control of the Church.
In 1506, Julius established the Swiss Guard, the elite corps that continues to serve as the Pope’s personal protection. Their distinctive uniforms and unwavering loyalty are a living legacy of Julius’s vision for a secure and independent Papacy.
Despite his successes, Julius’s militarism drew criticism. Many contemporaries viewed his actions as unbecoming of a pontiff, and his wars were costly in both lives and resources. Yet, his determination to strengthen the Papal States ensured their survival as a significant power in Renaissance Italy.
Julius II’s Legacy
Pope Julius II’s patronage of Michelangelo and Raphael elevated the Vatican to an unparalleled centre of artistic achievement, while his political and military actions shaped the course of Italian history.
His decision to grant Henry VIII’s marriage dispensation ultimately played a role in the schism that reshaped Christianity. This ironic twist underscores the far-reaching consequences of his papacy.
In his later years, Julius focused on reforming the Church, calling for the Fifth Lateran Council to address corruption and administrative issues. While his efforts were only partially successful, they set the stage for later reforms.
Julius II died in 1513. His reign embodied the contradictions of the Renaissance Papacy: a time of extraordinary artistic achievement, political intrigue, and moral challenges.
