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.
Key Facts
- ›Born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini in Corsignano, Sienese territory.
- ›Served as secretary to Antipope Felix V, Emperor Frederick III, and Pope Eugenius IV.
- ›Became Bishop of Trieste in 1447, Bishop of Siena in 1450, and a cardinal in 1456.
- ›Authored the 'Commentaries', the first autobiography of a pope to be published.
- ›His papacy was dominated by efforts to unite Christian princes against the Ottoman threat.
Pius PP. II, Pio II
- Convened the Congress of Mantua To Organize A Crusade Against the Turks.
- Issued the Bull 'Cum Concedente Deo' Regarding Conclave Procedures.
- Excommunicated Archduke Sigismund of Austria and Placed His Domains Under Interdict.
- Proclaimed An Official Crusade Against the Ottomans.
- Influenced Vlad Iii Dracula To Start A War Against Sultan Mehmed Ii.
- Canonized Saint Catherine of Siena.
Antipope Felix V, Emperor Frederick Iii, Pope Eugenius Iv, Pope Nicholas V, Pope Calixtus Iii, Cardinal Domenico Capranica, Cardinal Guillaume D'Estouteville, Sigismund of Austria, Nicholas of Cusa, Vlad Iii Dracula, Ottoman Turks, House of Aragon, House of Anjou, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Teutonic Knights, George of Bohemia
About Pius II
Pope Pius II (1405–1464)
Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, served as Pope from August 19, 1458, until his death in 1464. He was a prominent figure of the Renaissance, known for his extensive literary output, diplomatic skills, and oratorical talents before ascending to the papacy. His life prior to his election saw him serve various high-profile figures, including Antipope Felix V, Emperor Frederick III, and Pope Eugenius IV, and he held bishoprics in Trieste and Siena, eventually becoming a cardinal.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a noble but impoverished family in Corsignano, Enea Silvio Piccolomini received a humanist education at the University of Siena and later Florence. His early career involved extensive diplomatic missions, including a perilous journey to Scotland where he fathered a child. He was involved in the Council of Basel, actively supporting its stance against the papacy before reconciling with the Roman obedience under Emperor Frederick III. He was ordained a priest in 1446 and subsequently appointed Bishop of Trieste, then Siena, and finally a cardinal.
Papacy and Major Contributions
Pius II's pontificate was largely defined by his fervent desire to unite Christian Europe against the growing threat of the Ottoman Turks. He convened the Congress of Mantua in 1459 to rally support for a crusade, though the response from European princes was dishearteningly lukewarm. Despite these challenges, he proclaimed an official crusade and sought to influence leaders like Vlad III Dracula to engage in conflict with the Sultan. He also engaged in diplomatic efforts concerning the Kingdom of Naples, mediated disputes, and took action against figures like Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and Archduke Sigismund of Austria.
Literary Legacy
Beyond his political and religious endeavors, Pius II left a significant literary legacy. His most enduring work is his autobiography, the 'Commentaries,' which was the first autobiography of a pope to be published. This work offers valuable insights into his life, his times, and the inner workings of the papal court during the Renaissance. He also authored other works, showcasing his breadth of knowledge and humanist learning.
Key Facts
- Birth Name: Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini
- Papacy: 1458–1464
- Key Work: 'Commentaries' (first papal autobiography)
- Primary Goal: Uniting Europe for a crusade against the Ottoman Turks
- Notable Actions: Convened Congress of Mantua, canonized St. Catherine of Siena.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Pius II?
Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1458 until his death in 1464. He was a Renaissance humanist, author, diplomat, and orator before his election to the papacy.
What was Pope Pius II's main goal as pope?
Pius II's greatest priority from the beginning of his papacy was to free Europe from the threat of the Ottoman Turks. He dedicated much of his pontificate to organizing a great crusade against them.
What is Pope Pius II known for writing?
Pius II is best known for his work 'Commentaries', which is the story of his life. It was the first autobiography of a pope to be published, though it appeared posthumously in 1584.
What significant events occurred during Pius II's papacy?
During his papacy, Pius II convened the Congress of Mantua to discuss joint action against the Turks, influenced Vlad III Dracula to fight the Ottomans, and canonized Saint Catherine of Siena. He also engaged in conflicts with Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and Archduke Sigismund of Austria.
What was Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini's life like before becoming pope?
Before becoming Pope Pius II, Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini had a distinguished career as an author, diplomat, and orator. He served Antipope Felix V, Emperor Frederick III, and Pope Eugenius IV, and held various ecclesiastical positions, including Bishop of Trieste and Siena, and cardinal.
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