Giuliano della Rovere, who would later become Pope Julius II, received his appointment as the Bishop of Coutances, a strategic ecclesiastical position that would bolster his influence within the Catholic Church. Born in 1443 into a noble family and becoming a cardinal by the age of 34, della Rovere was renowned for his political acumen and ambition. The appointment marked a significant step in his career, which was characterized by a blend of ecclesiastical obligation and political strategy, typical of the Renaissance period in Italy and France.

Coutances, located in Normandy, was a diocese with historical significance and a center of ecclesiastical power. The role of a bishop was not only spiritual but also deeply entwined with the political dynamics of the time, as the church wielded considerable influence over regional governance. This appointment came at a time when the Catholic Church was navigating various political landscapes, particularly the complex relationships between the French crown, regional nobles, and the papacy.

Della Rovere's tenure in Coutances was influenced by his aspirations to increase his ecclesiastical authority and to navigate the intricate balance of power between the church and the state. His subsequent actions in this role would lay the groundwork for later advancements within the church, including his election as pope in 1503 when he assumed the name Julius II. His papacy would be marked by significant cultural and military initiatives, particularly evident during the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.