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Papal Conclaves of the 1450s
In the 1450s the Papal States experienced two major conclaves: the election of Callixtus III after the death of Nicholas V in 1455, and the election …
Timeline
- 1455Rome · RomeNicholas V, a renowned pope of the Renaissance era, died in March 1455. During his reign he vigorously promoted the revival of classical learning and the building of the Vatican Library; the vacancy of the papal office drew intense attention from across Europe.
- 1455Vatican · RomeThe College of Cardinals elected the Spaniard Alfonso de Borja as pope, taking the name Callixtus III. He was the first Spanish pope; after taking office he strongly promoted his nephew Rodrigo de Borja (later Alexander VI) and called for a crusade against the Ottoman Empire.
- 1458Vatican · RomeAfter Callixtus III died in August 1458, following fierce competition the College of Cardinals elected the humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini as pope, taking the name Pius II. He was one of the most literary-talented popes of the Renaissance, author of works including the Commentaries.
Sources
- The Popes: A History — John Julius Norwich (2012)
- Humanism and Creativity in the Renaissance: Essays in Honor of Ronald G. Witt — Christopher S. Celenza (2006)