Paul III.

conferred it upon him for life by a brief dated January 1, 1547.

He is there named "commissary, prefect, surveyor of the works, and architect, with full authority to change the model, form, and structure of the church at pleasure, and to dismiss and remove the working-men and foremen employed upon the same." The Pope intended to attach a special stipend to the onerous charge, but Michelangelo declined this honorarium, declaring that he meant to labour without recompense, for the love of God and the reverence he felt for the Prince of the Apostles.

Although he might have had money for the asking, and sums were actually sent as presents by his Papal master, he persisted in this resolution, working steadily at S.Peter's without pay, until death gave him rest.
Michelangelo's career as servant to a Pope began with the design of that tomb which led Julius II.

to destroy the old S.Peter's.