Pope Sixtus IV

Timeline

1. c. 1430–1467Pesaro · PesaroFrancesco della Rovere was born into a poor family in the Marche; after entering the Franciscans he taught theology at Bologna and elsewhere, later rising to Minister General of the Franciscan Order and winning a reputation in church scholarship.
2. 1467–1471Rome · RomeIn 1467 he was raised to the cardinalate by Pope Paul II, entering the inner circle of the Roman curia, taking part in papal elections and curial affairs, and building the connections and influence that led to his election as pope in 1471.
3. 1471–1484Rome · RomeElected pope after Paul II's death in 1471, taking the name Sixtus IV. He undertook extensive building works, oversaw construction of the Sistine Chapel, elevated numerous relatives and allies to the cardinalate, and strengthened the temporal power of the papacy.