Why did Francis I invade Lombardy in 1524?

Francis I’s invasion of Lombardy in 1524 was part of the ongoing Italian Wars, a series of conflicts driven by the dynastic struggle between the Valois dynasty of France and the Habsburg empire under Charles V.

Following the outbreak of hostilities between Francis I and Charles V in 1521, the French king sought to reassert control over Milan and maintain French influence in Italy. After marching into Lombardy in late 1524, Francis occupied Milan and subsequently laid siege to the imperial-controlled city of Pavia. This campaign ultimately led to the decisive Battle of Pavia in February 1525, where Francis was defeated and captured by imperial forces.