Pope Leo X, (December 11, 1475- December 1, 1521), born as Giovanni Di Lorenzo de Medici, belonged to one of the most powerful families of the Renaissance period. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1489 at age 14, and is famous among other controversial reasons, for selling indulgences to those who had sinned in exchange of money to be used for the construction of St. Peter´s cathedral in Rome.
Pope Leo x's jubilee indulgence was meant to raise funds to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This church was built by the emperor Constantine. St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was in desperate need of repair. The church needed more space for pilgrims and for priests to officiate around the high altar.
