Overview
When one says, "the Renaissance Popes," he is specifically referring to the popes who ruled between the Great Schism in 1417 and the Reformation. The majority of these popes became increasingly fixated on the temporal responsibilities they had and tended to become more like kings than popes.
They became involved in things like war and nepotism. Julius II was most known for involving himself in war. He personally led the troops to battle which shocked most Christians, and he was soon known as the warrior-pope. Pope Sixtus IV was best known or practicing nepotism. He was said to have made five of his nephews cardinals as well as an abundance of church offices.
As well as participating in war and nepotism the popes also turned away from their spiritual duties to engage in more stately affairs. They began becoming patrons for artists, so that they could help Rome's culture. In fact, thanks to people like Pope Leo X, Rome became a cultural leader by the end of the Renaissance. As a whole, however, the attitude of the popes is best exemplified by Leo's words to the Venetian ambassador once becoming pope, "Let us enjoy the papacy, since God has given it to us."
They became involved in things like war and nepotism. Julius II was most known for involving himself in war. He personally led the troops to battle which shocked most Christians, and he was soon known as the warrior-pope. Pope Sixtus IV was best known or practicing nepotism. He was said to have made five of his nephews cardinals as well as an abundance of church offices.
As well as participating in war and nepotism the popes also turned away from their spiritual duties to engage in more stately affairs. They began becoming patrons for artists, so that they could help Rome's culture. In fact, thanks to people like Pope Leo X, Rome became a cultural leader by the end of the Renaissance. As a whole, however, the attitude of the popes is best exemplified by Leo's words to the Venetian ambassador once becoming pope, "Let us enjoy the papacy, since God has given it to us."