[cloudmountain]

In those days, it’s hardly surprising — politics could get rough and personal, and the Pope was as much into the game as any king.

True, especially during the times of the Medicis.
One note for interest: all those popes, even the worst, NEVER failed at their job, that is, preach the established dogmas/doctrines and moral codes from those Biblical/Apostolic tradition sources.
They may have failed as men and politicians but not as "popes."

[what's up]

They may have failed as men and politicians

Ah, yes...have as many out-of-wedlock children, mistresses as you like.

Engage in as many assassinations as you like.

It doesn't matter. You still succeeded as religious leader of the world!!