Who led the Holy League to victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571?

The leader of the Holy League at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 was John of Austria. This significant naval battle, fought on October 7, 1571, was primarily between the forces of the Holy League, a coalition formed by the Pope and several Christian states, and the Ottoman Empire, which was seeking to expand its influence in the Mediterranean. John of Austria, a half-brother of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, played a crucial role in orchestrating the combined fleet of Christian nations, including Spain, the Papal States, and others, to confront the Ottoman navy.

Under his command, the Holy League emerged victorious, marking a pivotal moment in naval history, as it halted Ottoman expansion into Europe and shifted the balance of power in the Mediterranean. This victory is often regarded as a turning point in the conflict between Christian Europe and the Islamic Ottoman Empire, reinforcing the significance of this historical event and John of Austria’s leadership in achieving such a decisive win.