Leo XI

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

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Leo XI

pope

Also known as: Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Quick Facts

Original name:: Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici

Born:: June 2, 1535, Florence [Italy]

Died:: April 27, 1605, Rome

Leo XI (born June 2, 1535, Florence [Italy]—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.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.