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Leo XI
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Leo XI, detail from a tomb monument by Alessandro Algardi, 1634-44; in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
At a Glance
Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A
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Quick Facts
Original name:
Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici
Born:
June 2, 1535, Florence [Italy]
Died:
April 27, 1605, Rome (aged 69)
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External Websites
Leo XI, detail from a tomb monument by Alessandro Algardi, 1634-44; in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Leo XI, detail from a tomb monument by Alessandro Algardi, 1634-44; in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome

Leo XI

pope
Also known as: Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Leo XI (born June 2, 1535, Florence [Italy]—died April 27, 1605, Rome) was the pope from April 1–27, 1605. Pope Gregory XIII made him bishop of Pistoia, Italy, in 1573, archbishop of Florence in 1574, and cardinal in 1583. He was elected to succeed Clement VIII on April 1, 1605.

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