Pope Urban VIII’s papacy is remembered for its political maneuvering and his patronage of the arts. He faced challenges in managing relations with France and Spain, and his papacy was marred by the infamous trial of Galileo. Birth name: Maffeo Virginio Romolo Barberini Born: April 15, 1568 Died: July 29, 1644 Pontificate: August 6, 1623 – July 29, 1644