He debased the standard of art and literature by his ill-placed liberalities, seeking quick returns for careless expenditure, not selecting the finest spirits of his age for timely patronage, diffusing no lofty enthusiasm, but breeding round him mushrooms of mediocrity.
Nothing casts stronger light upon the low tone of Roman society created by Leo than the outburst of frenzy and execration which exploded when a Fleming was elected as his successor.

Adrian Florent, belonging to a family surnamed Dedel, emerged from the scrutiny of the Conclave into the pontifical chair.

He had been the tutor of Charles V., and this may suffice to account for his nomination.

Cynical wits ascribed that circumstance to the direct and unexpected action of the Holy Ghost.

He was the one foreigner who occupied the seat of S.Peter after the period when the metropolis of Western Christendom became an Italian principality.