Leo was now eager to unite Ferrara, Parma and Piacenza to the Papal States. An attempt late in 1519 to seize Ferrara failed, and the pope recognized the need for foreign aid. In May 1521 a treaty of alliance was signed at Rome between him and the emperor. Milan and Genoa were to be taken from France and restored to the Empire, and Parma and Piacenza were to be given to the Church on the expulsion of the French. The expense of enlisting 10,000 Swiss was to be borne equally by Pope and emperor. Charles V took Florence and the Medici family under his protection and promised to punish all enemies of the Catholic faith. Leo agreed to invest Charles V with the Kingdom of Naples, to crown him Holy Roman Emperor, and to aid in a war against Venice. It was provided that England and the Swiss might also join the league. Henry VIII announced his adherence in August 1521. Francis I of France had already begun war with Charles V in Navarre, and in Italy, too, the French made the first hostile movement on 23 June 1521. Leo at once announced that he would excommunicate the king of France and release his subjects from their allegiance unless Francis I laid down his arms and surrendered Parma and Piacenza to the Church. The pope lived to hear the joyful news of the capture of Milan from the French and of the occupation by papal troops of the long-coveted provinces (November 1521).
Leo was now eager to unite Ferrara Parma and Piacenza to the Papal States An attempt late in 1519 to seize Ferrara failed and the pope recognized the need for foreign aid In May 1521 a treaty of alliance was signed at Rome between him and the emperor Milan and Genoa were to be taken from France and restored to the Empire and Parma and Piacenza were to be given to the Church on the expulsion of the French The expense of enlisting 10000 Swiss was to be borne equally by Pope and emperor Charles V took Florence and the Medici family under his protection and promised to punish all enemies of the Catholic faith Leo agreed to invest Charles V with the Kingdom of Naples to crown him Holy Roman Emperor and to aid in a war against Venice It was provided that England and the Swiss might also join the league Henry VIII announced his adherence in August 1521 Francis I of France had already begun war with Charles V in Navarre and in Italy too the French made the first hostile movement on 23 June 1521 Leo at once announced that he would excommunicate the king of France and release his subjects from their allegiance unless Francis I laid down his arms and surrendered Parma and Piacenza to the Church The pope lived to hear the joyful news of the capture of Milan from the French and of the occupation by papal troops of the long-coveted provinces (November 1521)