These are the worldly activities with which popes were more and more involved since the late Middle Ages. During this time period, and throughout the Renaissance, popes supported the arts. They sponsored the work of many artists, who in turn created a large amount of art that was religiously themed. However, popes were also interested in gaining political power. These two activities are exemplified by popes such as the ones from the House of Borgia and the ones from the House of Medici.
