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Why did Leo X initially support Frederick the Wise in the election for Holy Roman emperor?
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Leo X
Pope Leo X, contemporary medallion; in the coin collection of the Vatican Library.
Following the death of Holy Roman emperor Maximilian I in 1519, Pope Leo X sought to prevent the consolidation of excessive power in Europe. The primary candidates for the imperial throne were Francis I of France and Charles I of Spain.12
Leo X feared that if the Holy Roman Empire were united with either the French or Spanish crowns, Italy would fall under the dominance of the victor, thereby destroying the balance of power. To avoid this outcome, the pope preferred the election of a minor prince who would not pose such a threat. Consequently, he threw his support behind Frederick the Wise of Saxony, viewing him as a suitable candidate to maintain political stability and protect papal interests.12