He completed artworks for nine different Catholic Popes

Beginning in 1505, Michelangelo produced artwork for nine successive Catholic Popes, Julius II to Pius IV. His labor was extensive during the period, spanning four years of painting the Sistine Chapel to creating decorative knobs for the Pope's bed.

However, he did not always get along with everyone, as evidenced by his relationship with Pope Julius II, for whom Michelangelo had spent three years working. The artist was working on a facade for Pope Leo X when Julius II abruptly canceled the project. He did, however, have better ties with other popes, such as Pope Paul III, who defended The Last Judgment (1536) when church officials declared it offensive because of the inclusion of nude people.