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Popes Julius II and Leo X - the two Renaissance era popes are commemorated on the 500th anniversary of Pope Julius II 's death and Pope Leo X's accession to the papacy. Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere 1443 -1513) is known for bringing artists and architects Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bramante to Rome and for the first steps in establishing New St. Peter's Basilica. His foreign policy tried to balance the competing interests of France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. As pope, he led papal armies in battle in full armor. He also accepted Bramante's architectural plans for New St. Peter's Basilica and began the process of demolishing Old St. Peter's which dated to the 320s. 
Pope Leo X (Giovanni de Medici 1475-1521), was elected pope in 1513. He was a patron of the arts who aimed to make Rome the cultural center of Christianity, as well as urban projects to enhance the city. Leo X opened the sixth session of the Fifth Lateran Council which aimed at reform, but the commission charged with reform efforts lacked the ability to enforce change. In order to raise funds to meet growing expenses, and to build the New St. Peter's, Pope Leo X authorized the promotion and preaching of indulgences, abuses of which sparked Martin Luther's revolt. Leo X condemned Luther's teaching arising out of The 95 Theses and excommunicated him in 1521. 
To commemorate the anniversaries of the two popes, the Vatican issued a €0,70 stamp of Pope Julius II and a €2,00 stamp representing Pope Leo X. The stamps depict the portraits of the two popes and were issued in sheets of 10. A folder with the philatelic set and FDC were available for €9,00.

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