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For over 1000 years much of the central Italian peninsula was under
the direct or indirect rule of the Pope. At the same time, the Papacy
was often deeply involved in the political issues throughout the whole
of Europe. For example, the Popes were responsible for the launching
of the Crusades from the late-11th century onwards, and they played a crucial
role in almost all the major European events of the medieval period.
Despite such influence, the Papacy was often riveted by schisms and dissention. Most notably, the Protestant Reformation of the early 16th century, which was led by Martin Luther, broke the spiritual dominance of the Papacy in Europe. As a result, the Popes were forced into a less dominant position in European affairs. The popes, though, sought to hold onto their power by financing a visual arts campaign to counter both the ideological warfare of the Protestants and the perception that Rome, which was littered with abandoned monuments from Antiquity, was a symbol of decay. To combat a worsening image, the Papacy reasserted its authority by improving Rome's physical appearance. One way the Papal empire did this was to refurbish significant buildings -- such as St. Peter's Cathedral. |