Pope Clement VII's papacy was marked by political struggles, including the sack of Rome by the armies of Charles V in 1527. He faced the challenge of balancing the Church’s power with the growing influence of secular rulers. Birth name: Giulio Zanobi di Giuliano de' Medici Born: June 4, 1478 Died: October 5, 1534 Pontificate: December 9, 1523 – October 5, 1534