Callixtus III
Callixtus III, born Alonso de Borja, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1455 until his death in 1458. A former professor of law and diplomat for the kings of Aragon, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Eugene IV. His pontificate was largely consumed by efforts to organize Christian Europe against the Ottoman Empire, a cause for which he initiated the midday bell custom to encourage prayer for crusaders.
Key Facts
- ›Born Alonso de Borja in 1378 in La Torreta, Kingdom of Valencia.
- ›Trained as a professor of law at the University of Lleida and served as a diplomat for the kings of Aragon.
- ›Became Bishop of Valencia in 1429 and was elevated to cardinal in 1444.
- ›Elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 at an advanced age.
- ›His pontificate was dominated by efforts to counter the Ottoman threat.
- ›Died on August 6, 1458.
Alfonso de Borgia
Council of Constance, Council of Basel
- Initiated the Custom of Midday Bells To Pray For Crusaders.
- Ordered A Retrial For Joan of Arc, Leading To Her Vindication.
- Appointed Two Nephews As Cardinals, One of Whom Became Pope Alexander Vi.
- Reaffirmed Portugal's Trade Rights In West Africa Via Papal Bull Inter Caetera.
- Canonized Vincent Ferrer, Osmund, Albert of Trapani, and Rose of Viterbo.
House of Borgia, Kingdom of Valencia, Crown of Aragon, University of Lleida, King Alfonso V of Aragon, Pope Martin V, Pope Eugene Iv, Pope Alexander Vi, Joan of Arc, Ottoman Empire, Siege of Belgrade
About Callixtus III
Callixtus III, born Alonso de Borja on December 31, 1378, and also known as Alfonso de Borgia, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from April 8, 1455, until his death on August 6, 1458. He was a member of the House of Borgia and is the last pope to date to use the pontifical name "Callixtus."
Life and Historical Context
Born in La Torreta, within the Kingdom of Valencia under the Crown of Aragon, Borgia began his career as a professor of law at the University of Lleida. He later served as a diplomat for the kings of Aragon and became a tutor to King Alfonso V's illegitimate son, Ferdinand. After facilitating a reconciliation between King Alfonso V and Pope Martin V, Borgia was appointed Bishop of Valencia in 1429. In 1444, Pope Eugene IV elevated him to the cardinalate, and he became a member of the Roman Curia.
Pontificate
Elected pope at an advanced age, Callixtus III's pontificate was largely defined by his fervent efforts to unite Christian Europe against the expanding Ottoman Empire. He redirected funds from building projects towards this cause and dispatched nuncios and missionaries across Europe to preach a crusade. A notable initiative was his order in 1456 for bells to be rung at midday to prompt prayers for the crusaders, a custom that evolved into the tradition of the Angelus noon bell. He also ordered a new trial for Joan of Arc, which resulted in her posthumous vindication. Among his other actions, he reaffirmed Portugal's trade rights in West Africa and approved the establishment of the University of Greifswald.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Callixtus III is remembered for his energetic commitment to the anti-Ottoman crusade, though European princes were slow to respond due to national rivalries. He is also credited with initiating the midday bell tradition for prayer and for his role in rehabilitating Joan of Arc. He appointed two nephews as cardinals, one of whom, Rodrigo de Borgia, would go on to become Pope Alexander VI.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Callixtus III serve as pope?
Callixtus III served as pope from April 8, 1455, until his death on August 6, 1458.
What was Callixtus III's birth name and origin?
His birth name was Alonso de Borja. He was born in 1378 in La Torreta, which was then part of the Kingdom of Valencia under the Crown of Aragon, making him of Spanish origin.
What were Callixtus III's major concerns during his pontificate?
His primary concern was organizing Christian Europe against the perceived threat of invasion by the Ottoman Empire. He dedicated significant effort and resources to this cause.
Did Callixtus III have any notable family connections?
Yes, he appointed two of his nephews as cardinals. One of these nephews was Rodrigo de Borgia, who later became Pope Alexander VI.
What is the tradition associated with Callixtus III and church bells?
Callixtus III initiated the custom of ringing church bells at midday to remind the faithful to pray for the crusaders fighting against the Ottoman Empire. This tradition of the noon bell still exists in many Catholic churches.
Related Popes
Alexander VI
Alexander VI, born Roderic Llançol y de Borja, was Pope from 1492 to 1503, leading the Catholic Church and Papal States during the Renaissance. His pontificate is marked by significant political maneuvering, foreign policy aimed at family aggrandizement, and personal controversy due to his acknowledged children and mistresses, leading to his surname becoming synonymous with nepotism and libertinism.
Damasus I
Pope Damasus I, bishop of Rome from 366 to 384, presided over the Council of Rome of 382 which established the biblical canon. He actively combatted heresies, supported the production of the Vulgate Bible, and encouraged the veneration of martyrs. His papacy coincided with the rise of Christianity as the Roman state religion.
Pius II
Pius II, born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, was Pope from 1458 to 1464. A Renaissance humanist, he was an author, diplomat, and orator before his papacy. His pontificate was largely dedicated to organizing a crusade against the Ottoman Turks, a goal that proved difficult to achieve due to European disunity.