The Catholic League (or Holy League) was a coalition of various European powers that was formed by Pope Julius II in 1511, at the height of the War of the League of Cambrai, to defend the states of Italy against Louis XII of France and thus to strengthen Papal power. It included, besides the Pope, England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Republic of Venice. This article is about the continent. ... Pope Julius II Julius II, né Giuliano della Rovere (December 5, 1443 - February 21, 1513), was pope from 1503 to 1513. ... Events Diego Velázquez and Hernán Cortés conquer Cuba; Velázquez appointed Governor. ... The League of Cambrai was a league against Venice formed in 1508 under the leadership of Pope Julius II. It included, besides the Pope, Louis XII of France, Emperor Maximilian I, and Ferdinand of Aragon. ... Louis XII Louis XII the Father of the People (French: Louis XII le Père du Peuple) (June 27, 1462 - January 1, 1515) was King of France from 1498-January 1, 1515. ... Pope John Paul II has reigned since 22 Oct 1978. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area  - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Ethnicity... This page is about the Germanic empire. ... The Republic of Venice was a city-state in Venetia in Northeastern Italy, based around the city of Venice. ...

Although the League was initially successful in expelling French forces from Italy, dissension soon broke out among the members; by 1512, Venice had switched sides to support France. Fighting continued until the overwhelming French victory at the Battle of Marignano in 1516 caused the League to surrender and acquiesce to French domination of northern Italy. Events April 11 - Battle of Ravenna. ... The Battle of Marignano, in the phase of the Italian Wars (1494–1559) that is called the War of the Holy League, was a victory for French forces that took place on 13 and 14 September 1515, at a location, today called Melegnano, 16 km south east of Milan. ... Events March - With the death of Ferdinand II of Aragon, his grandson Charles of Ghent becomes King of Spain as Carlos I. July - Selim I of the Ottoman Empire declares war on the Mameluks and invades Syria. ...

See also

• Catholic League for other similarly named coalitions.

Throughout history there have been many alliances and organizations known as the Catholic League, including: Catholic League (USA) - Civil rights group in the United States. ...

References

• Norwich, John Julius (1989). A History of Venice. New York: Vintage Books. ISBN 0-679-72197-5.