Leo XI

Leo XI, detail from a tomb monument by Alessandro Algardi, 1634-44; in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome

Leo XI (born June 2, 1535, Florence [Italy]β€”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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Citation Information
Article Title: Leo XI
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 29 May 2026
Access Date: November 13, 2026