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What role did Pope Paul III play in Michelangelo’s plans for St. Peter’s Basilica?
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Paul III
Paul III, contemporary medallion; in the coin collection of the Vatican Library.
Pope Paul III played a pivotal role in the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica by appointing Michelangelo as the chief architect of the project in 1546, following the death of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.12
Paul III was instrumental in ensuring the continuation of the basilica's development, actively cajoling the artist to finalize the architectural plans for the structure. Under the Pope's commission, Michelangelo took charge of the work, a position he maintained through the subsequent pontificates of Julius III and Pius IV. By the time of Michelangelo’s death in 1564, his leadership had resulted in the near completion of the drum for the basilica's massive dome.132