6 May 1527 – Today in “Upon This Rock” history, the Sack of Rome
6 May 1527: Today in Upon This Rock history, the notorious “Sack of Rome” led to the imprisonment, escape and forced exile of Pope Clement VII (né Giulio de Medici) to Orvieto. On this day, 147 of the Swiss Guard gave their lives defending Pope Clement VII as he escaped to safety.
In fact, this sacrifice is so central that every May 6th, new Swiss Guards are sworn in. In Upon This Rock, this historical backdrop sets the stage: Clement VII, after fleeing the chaos, finds refuge in Orvieto. The Pope’s arrival there—and the Swiss Guard’s ultimate sacrifice—becomes a key part of the unfolding intrigue.
Born on May 26, 1478. Giulio de’ Medici’s life began under tragic circumstances. On 26 April 1478—exactly one month before his birth—his father, Giuliano de Medici (brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent) was murdered in the Florence Cathedral by enemies of his family, in what is now known as “The Pazzi Conspiracy”. He was born illegitimately in Florence; the exact identity of his mother remains unknown. Nevertheless, he rose quickly through the Church hierarchy, becoming Cardinal and advisor to his cousin Pope Leo X, and later Pope himself known as Clement VII.
His back story, and time in Orvieto, is key to the mystery at the heart of David Eugene Perry’s best-selling and award winning mystery thriller, Upon This Rock, currently in development as a screenplay. Get your copy at the link below or at your favorite bookstore.