How did Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici help restore Medici power in Florence in 1512?

In 1512, Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici (the future Pope Leo X) played a pivotal role in restoring his family’s power in Florence. Having become the head of the Medici family following the death of his brother Piero, Giovanni utilized his political influence as a cardinal to secure support from Pope Julius II.12

In 1511, he was appointed papal legate to Bologna and Romagna, a position that allowed him to supervise the reestablishment of Medici control over the city. The restoration was ultimately achieved in 1512 through the intervention of papal and Spanish armies, which were mobilized as part of the Holy League to curtail French influence in Italy. Although his younger brother, Giuliano, was placed at the head of the Florentine republic, it was the cardinal who effectively ruled.134