The master's good friend, Pope Paul III., died in 1549. Michael Angelo
wrote of him to his nephew(163): "It is true that I have suffered great
sorrow and not less loss by the Pope's death, because I have received
benefits from his Holiness, and hoped for even more. God's will be done.
We must have patience. His death was beautiful, fully conscious to the
last word. God have mercy on his soul." His successor, Julius III., was
also friendly to Michael Angelo, who spoke of him in a letter to his old
friend, Giovan Francesco Fattucci, at Florence.(164)
"_To_ MESSER GIOVAN FRANCESCO FATTUCCI, _priest of Santa Maria del
Fiore, My most dear friend at Florence._
"MESSER GIOVAN FRANCESCO,--Dear friend, although for many months we
have not written to each other, yet I have not forgotten our long
and faithful friendship, and wish you well, as I have always done,
and love you with all my heart and more, for the endless
kindnesses I have received. As regards old age, which is upon us
both alike, I should much like to know how yours treats you, for
mine does not content me greatly, so I beg you will write
something to me. You know how that we have a new Pope, and who he
is. All Rome rejoices, thanks be to God, and expects nothing but
the greatest benefit to all, especially to the poor, on account of
his liberality...."
Efforts were made to dislodge Michael Angelo from his post of architect to
St.
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