Which historical figure leads the Templars in Assassin's Creed II?

Rodrigo Borgia leads the Templars in Assassin's Creed II.

In the game's fictionalized Renaissance history, Rodrigo Borgia is the central Templar adversary opposing Ezio Auditore. He is portrayed as a powerful political and religious figure who seeks the Apple of Eden and other advantages in the long conflict with the Assassins.

Rodrigo became Pope Alexander VI in 1492, and the game uses his real historical position as part of its story. The climactic confrontation takes place in the Vatican City in 1499, where Ezio faces Rodrigo rather than killing him.

Cesare Borgia, Rodrigo's son, becomes the principal human antagonist of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. This family connection often causes players to mix up the two villains, but Rodrigo is the Templar leader in Assassin's Creed II.