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HISTORY OF THE POPES FROM THE CLOSE OF THE MIDDLE AGES

BOOK V

POPE PIUS II, A.D.1458-1464

 

 

 

C1. ELECTION OF PIUS II. A.D.1458 .

C2. THE EASTERN QUESTION AND THE CONGRESS OF MANTUA. 

C3. THE CONTEST FOR THE NEAPOLITAN THRONE. 

C4. OPPOSITION TO PAPAL AUTHORITY .

C5. ATTEMPTED RECONCILIATION OF BOHEMIA WITH THE CHURCH. 

C6. THE EASTERN QUESTION, 1460-1463. 

C7. PLANS OF REFORM

C8. THE CRUSADE AND DEATH OF PIUS II. A.D. 1464. 

 

 

UNDER Nicholas V, the founder of the Vatican Library, that great movement in the history of culture, which we call the Renaissance, had fairly taken root in Rome. The capital of Christendom, now become the centre of learning and art, was flooded with the light of the new dawn.

Then came the fall of Constantinople; a shock, of which the reverberations have not yet died away. It soon became only too clear that this victory of the Turks had dealt a grievous blow to all the Western Nations. “The Turkish power in all the fierce strength of its eager youth took the place of the worn-out Eastern Empire, and challenged the whole of Europe. It seemed for a time as if the Cross must succumb in the battle”. A ruder and more anxious task than the peaceful labours of Nicholas V in the cause of Literature and Art was allotted to his successor. Calixtus III rightly judged that the main object of his life must be to save Christendom and Western culture from being overwhelmed by the flood of Turkish invasion. But in spite of the heroic efforts of the Spanish Pope, who pledged his mitre and his plate in order to raise money enough to equip a fleet, nothing worthy of the cause was accomplished. Not a single Prince or nation came forward to redeem their promises. The fire and enthusiasm which in former days had moved all Europe to fly as one man to the rescue of the Holy Places, now burnt itself out in internal dissensions and jealousies. Not a hand was lifted to check the rapid advance of the Ottoman arms.

One disaster followed another in the East all through the summer of 1458. The Morea and Attica were overrun and devastated by the Mahometan troops. In June, Athens fell; in August, Corinth. The subjugation of Serbia was begun in the same month.

On the very day on which the key of the Peloponnesus was lost to Christendom, the aged Calixtus, wearied and disappointed, at last sank to rest.

The question who should be the next .occupant of the Papal throne was now of deeper importance than ever. In addition to the defence of Europe, an even more difficult and dangerous task than this was awaiting him, namely, the internal reform of the Church.

No one appeared more adapted for the solution of this problem than the noble and gifted Cardinal Capranica. His death, from a violent attack of fever, just before the Conclave opened (August 14), was a heavy blow to the Church, for his election was almost a certainty. Rome was plunged in grief. A contemporary writes of him: “He was the most accomplished, the most learned, and the holiest Prelate that the Church possessed in our days”. A completely new situation was created, upsetting all previous calculations.

 

CHRONOLOGY

1447.

Under Nicholas V the Renaissance took root in Rome

 

1448

Prevalence of Heresy in Bohemia. Failure of the Compact between Bohemia and the Council of Basle. The Utraquist Clergy do not fulfil the conditions of the Compact.

Administration of the Eucharist under one kind for bidden by the Councillors of Prague. The Compact never recognised by the Holy See. Its efforts frustrated by the fanaticism of the Czechs.

Accession of George Podiebrad, his duplicity and fair promises

 

1452

Cardinal Cusa in the Tyrol, his zeal for reform. Opposition of the Poor Clares in Brixen. Dispute with Sigismund as to the jurisdiction over the Convent of Sonnenburg. Resistance of the Nuns.

Calixtus III recommends a compromise in vain. Cusa claims the rank of a Prince of the Empire, denied by Sigismund

 

1455.

Calixtus III attempts to save Christendom from the Turks. His efforts not seconded by the Princes of Europe. Hostility shown to Cusa, his flight to Andraz.

Sigismund threatened with Excommunication by Calixtus III. Sigismund appeals against the Papal Bull, intervention of Heimburg

 

1458.

Claims of Cusa at the Diet of Bruneck. Interdict not acknowledged. Death of Calixtus III and that of Cardinal Capranica. The Italian powers favour Cardinals Cardinal Piccolomini .

Efforts of d'Estouteville against Piccolomini. Influence of Cardinal Barbo in his favour. He is elected Pope by the method called "accessus". He takes the name of Pius II. Satisfaction of the Emperor Frederick III. He recognises Ferrante as King of Naples.

Death of Don Pedro Borgia. The Pope urges War against the Turks. Publication of the Bull of Investiture.

Marriage arranged between Ferrante's Daughter and Antonio Piccolomini.

Antonio Colonna made Prefect of Rome

Pius II appoints Commission to consider the reform of the Roman Court. Cardinal Cusa's scheme of reform of the whole Church. Rule for the three Visitors chosen to execute the reform. Domenichi condemns nepotism. Pius II abandons the idea of a general reform

 

1459.

Rapid progress of the Turkish power. Fall of Servia and of the Morea. Anxiety of Pius II.

Cardinal Cusa made Vicar-General of Rome.

Foundation of the Knights of our Lady of BethlehemBestows the Golden Rose on the Prior of the Balia

Podiebrad is invited to the Congress of Mantua. Rokyzana procures Decrees against the Church. Pius II requires public profession of obedience from George Podiebrad. Podiebrad styles him King at Mantua.

Nuncios sent to settle his differences with the people of Breslau. They effect settlement, but Podiebrad delays coming to Mantua. He desires to win the Crown of Germany by help of the Pope.

Annoyance of the Emperor at the recognition of the King of Hungary by the Pope

Fresh attempts are made to dissuade Pius II from the Congress. Some Cardinals endeavour to prejudice Charles VII against it

Reception of Pius II at Florence. Death of St. Antoninus, May 2nd, and Election of his Successor

Pius II crosses the Appenines and enters Bologna on the 9th of May. Unfriendly feeling in Bologna. His magnificent reception at Ferrara on the 17th of May. He is received at Mantua by the Duchess of Milan, on the 27th of May.

Pius II finds no Princes or Envoys awaiting him at Mantua. Hostile attitude of many Cardinals, especially Cardinal Scarampo. Loyalty of Cardinals Bessarion and Torquemada . Indifference of the European Princes

War declared between Frederick III and Matthias Corvinus

War against the Turks. Envoys arrive from France and Germany. hostility of Charles VII to the Crusade

Disputes fomented by Heimburg . Confidence of the Pope in the Margrave Albert of Brandenburg

 

1460.

Close of the Congress, departure of the Pope to Siena on the 19th of January.

Pius II corrects certain local abuses . His zeal for the restoration of Monastic Discipline . Deposition of Martial Auribelle, General of the Dominicans

Cusa renews the Interdict, he is imprisoned by Sigismund. Indignation of Pius II, he summons Sigismund to appear before him; Sigismund refuses to obey, and is excommunicated. Sigismund, instigated by Heimburg, appeals to General Council. The German Princes take his side against the Pope. Sigismund draws up Memorial against the Pope. Excommunication of Heimburg—his rage . Reply of Teodoro Lelli, and retort of Sigismund

Opposition to Papal authority in France and Germany. The Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (July 7, 1438). Efforts of different Popes to procure its repeal. Its results as described by Pius II. His prohibition at Mantua of appeals to Council directed against the Pragmatic Sanction. Irritation in France. Insulting protest of Charles VII. Apprehensions of the Pope he ignores the appeal of Charles VII, The Dauphin promises to abolish the Pragmatic Sanction

War breaks out between King René and Ferrante

The Pope and the Duke of Milan espouse Ferrante's cause. Ferrante is defeated at Sarno by the Angevines.

The Pope sends his nephew Antonio to occupy Terracina. The strife in Naples produces disturbances in Rome. The Governor asks for military assistance The Savelli, Colonna, and Anguillara join the revolt. The rebels take Tiburzio di Maso for their leader. Piccinino attacks the Papal States, and threatens Rome. Pius II is met by the Roman Envoys at Viterbo. He returns to Rome.

Capture and execution of Tiburzio. The Pope tries to make peace with Jacopo Savelli.

War between the Houses of Wittelsbach War and Hohenzollern . Mission of Cardinal Bessarion . Opening of the Diet of Nuremberg Bessarion's Address . His entreaties are useless, a fresh Diet meets at Worms . War breaks out on the Rhine. The Diet at Worms is a failure . Pius II's efforts in favour of Hungary . Postponement of the Diet of Vienna . Defeat of Albert of Brandenberg. Defection of the Archbishop of Mainz. Character and Life of Archbishop Diether of Mainz. The confirmation of his election obtained with difficulty . Pecuniary conditions which Diether fails to keep . The sentence of lesser Excommunication pronounced against him . He leads the opposition to the Pope at the Diet of Vienna . None of the German Princes attend the Diet . Opposition of the Envoys anger of Bessarion . He asks to be recalled, and is refused . The Pope encourages him to persevere

The Italian powers refuse the Tithes for the Crusade . The Pope sends Collectors to all the European States . General Indifference small results obtained . Arrival of an Envoy from the Eastern Patriarchs promising obedience . The genuineness of the Embassy doubtful . fresh Embassy arrives from the far East, welcomed by Pius II. Its doubtful character deceit of its interpreter, Fra Lodovico

Pius II creates six new Cardinals . Merits of Cardinal Oliva, his early Death (1463)

 

1461.

Podiebrad proposes to effect the reunion of Bohemia with the Church . Excitement in Bohemia. The King recognises Utraquism

Death of Charles VII, July 22 .

Accession of the Dauphin to the throne of France as Louis XI.

Pius II sends Jouffroy, Bishop of Arras, to negotiate with him. Ambitious motives of Jouffroy.

Louis XI demands the Cardinal's Hat for Jouffroy and d'Albret.

Pius II creates them Cardinals in spite of the objections of the Sacred College. Louis XI revokes the Pragmatic Sanction. Gregorio Lolli on the revocation

Piccinino retires to the Abruzzi. Revolution in Genoa. Federigo of Urbino compels Savelli to capitulate. Fresh disturbances in Rome. The Pope retires to Tivoli for the summer.

Character of Sigismondo Malatesta, his hostility to the Pope. He defies the Pope's Excommunication. He builds of the Temple of Malatesta. The Venetians encourage Malatesta. Marriage of the Pope's nephew Antonio with Ferrante's daughter.

Bessarion leaves Germany . Diether and the Count Palatine bind themselves to assist George Podiebrad . Diet of Bamberg failure of the anti-Papal party . Diether takes Heimburg into his service .

Pius II summons the Tyrolese Rebels to appear Sigismund before him, they issue violent manifesto.

Excommunication of Heimburg.

Alliance between Sigismund and Diether.

Diet of Nuremburg, anti-Papal opposition reaches its climax.

Diether appeals from the Papal judge to future Council.

The Electors appeal to the Pope on behalf of Diether.

The German Princes consult the French King. The Electoral Union .

The Diet of Nuremberg dissolved. Collapse of the Opposition.

The Emperor appeals to Pius II for help. The Pope sends Nuncios. Their success in calming the German Princes. And in isolating Diether, who refuses to yield.

Diet of Mayence attended only by the Tyrolese Envoys  Rudolf of Rudesheim defends the Pope. Promises of the Nuncios . Defeat of the Conciliar party. Fresh attempts of Diether.

Adolph of Nassau replaces Diether at Mainz. Diether's violent protestations. His unprincipled and vacillating conduct . Fresh struggle between the Houses of Hohenzollern and Wittelsbach.

Arrival of Thomas, the dethroned Lord of the Morea, he brings with him the head of St. Andrew the Apostle . He is well received by the Pope, who gives him the Golden Rose and pension

The Queen of Cyprus seeks aid from Pius II. Her reception by the Pope, and personal appearance . Assistance given to her by Pius II. She fails to obtain it from the Christian Princes . News of the Fall of Sinope and Trebizond arrives in Rome 255 Letter of Pius II. to the Sultan attempting his con version . Representations and promises of the Pope

The Canonisation of St. Catherine of Siena

Creation of three Italian and three Ultramontane Cardinals . Good Humanist culture of Cardinals Roverella and Ammanati

The Benedictine Congregation at Bursfield . Opposition of the Nobility to the reform of the Abbey . Love of Pius II for the Franciscan Observantines . The zeal of the Observantines for reform and missionary work . Pius II. condemns negro slavery, which had just begun to appear, he defends the Jews . Bull of Retractation of Pius II . He defends the Monarchical Constitution of the Church . Dispute between the Franciscans and Dominicans . Pius II in vain forbids public discussion on the subject of the Precious Blood

 

1462

After great disputation decides in favour of the Dominicans.

Publication of the name of the Archbishop of Salzburg

Embassy from Louis XI to the Pope. Defeat of the Angevines by Ferrante and Sforza . Jouffroy represents the repeal as dependent on affairs at Naples. Louis threatens to call an Anti-Roman Council. Anxiety and Indecision of the Pope . He confides his uncertainty to Carretto, the Milanese Ambassador . And explains the difficulty of his position . Carretto encourages the Pope to continue his support to Ferrante . And points out the danger of yielding to French influence in Italy . Arrival of the French Embassy in Rome . Carretto holds interviews with the Cardinals and the Pope Pius II decides to uphold Ferrante his interview with Jouffroy . Solemn reception of the French Ambassadors . Proposals of Louis XI . Reply of Pius II. The Cardinal's Hat conferred upon Jouffroy . The Pragmatic Sanction unconditionally revoked . Great Joy in Rome . Interviews between Pius II and the French Ambassadors . Pope refuses to give way. Louis's offers are conditional . Departure of the French Ambassadors their threatening language

Pius II lays Diether under an Interdict. The Count Palatine supports Diether in defying the Pope, who issues new Encyclical, May 1stDiether celebrates Mass by force he loses the City of Mainz. The Archbishop of Cologne arranges truce.

Distrust of Podiebrad at Rome. The submission of Breslau postponed. Podiebrad sends the Embassy to Rome. Feeling against Podiebrad in Rome. Improved position of the Papacy. Reception of the Bohemian Envoys by the Pope. Utraquist Address. Reply of Pius II, he condemns the Compact. And in open Consistory refuses to recognise it. The Compact is formally abolished. Podiebrad dares not fulfil his engagement to abolish the Compact. The Pope sends Fantino de Valle to Prague. Marini's project of revolutionising the European system. Which finds favour nowhere. The Pope publishes Podiebrad's Coronation Oath. Podiebrad openly declares himself an Utraquist. And rejects Fantino's demand to abolish the Compact. The Nuncio denounces the Compact, rage of Podiebrad. Podiebrad endeavours to temporise. Fantino is released. The Emperor undertakes to mediate. Marini's intrigues at the French Court

Determination of Pius II to lead the Crusade in person. Cristoforo Moro elected Doge. The Turks attack the Venetian Colonies and seize Argos. Conquest of Bosnia. Vittore Capello urges war with the Turks. Altered tone in Venice they propose to raise money for the war

 

1463

Final defeat of the Duke of Calabria, who returns to Provence.

Ambition of Antonio Piccolomini. Nepotism of Pius II. Pius II's attachment to Siena, he is surrounded by Sienese. He resolves to crush Malatesta, who is defeated at Sinigaglia by Federigo of Urbino. The Venetians plead his cause in vain

Lesbos greatly falls into the hands of the Turks

Diether resigns and receives Absolution

The Siege of Fano, which is taken by the Papal troops. Malatesta is pardoned, but his power is destroyed.

Estrangement between Pius II and Louis XI. Intrigues of Cardinal Jouffroy . Alarming rumours from France. Hostility of Louis XI, his understanding with the national party . Revival of the Gallican liberties . Disorganisation of the Empire

The Pope delays to take actions against Podiebrad

Mahomet II conquest Bosnia . The Bosnian Christians allowed the free exercise of their religion . The King of Bosnia is beheaded, the Queen-mother takes refuge in Rome. Pius II undertakes to lead the crusade

Pius II embellishes St. Peter’s building, the Tribune for Benediction, and the new Chapel of St. Andrew . His repairs in the City and Churches. His love and protection of the ruins in Rome and the Campagna. Memorials of Pius II at Siena

Peace concluded in Hungary through the mediation of the Pope. Louis XI refuses to take part in the Crusade. The Duke of Burgundy at length fulfils his promise. The Pope invites the Italian powers to Congress. Bessarion is sent as Legate to Venice. Venice at length declares war against the Turks. Alliance against the Turks concluded between Venice and Hungary. Skanderbeg attacks the Turks. Reception of the Burgundian Envoys. Good prospects of the Crusade. Meeting of the Italian Congress. Unsatisfactory answers of the Italian States. Reply of Pius II. Selfish duplicity of the Florentines. Their intrigues against Venice. Regulations in regard to the Crusade. Delays of Florence, Milan, and Siena. Measures taken by the Cardinals to collect funds. Alliance between the Pope, the Duke of Burgundy, and Venice. Pius II provides for the government of Rome during his absence. The promulgation throughout Europe, where it meets with little response. The Crusade Account Book. Victories over the Turks. Recovery of Vostitza and Argos. Death of the Prince of Tarento. The King of Hungary recovers Jaitza. Misfortunes of the Venetians . Defection of the Duke of Burgundy .. The Duke of Milan's evasive conduct. His intrigues against Venice . Opposition of the Florentines to the Crusade

 

1464

Reconciliation of the Count Palatine Frederick . Obstinacy of Sigismund . His Mediation of the Emperor accepted. Death of Cusa . Reconciliation of Sigismund .

Proceedings against Podiebrad stopped by the death of Pius II.

Louis XI forbids the Duke of Burgundy to take part in the war. More bad news from Greece. Perseverance of the Pope. He threatens to Excommunicate Louis XI. His resolution to embark at Ancona for Ragusa. Cardinal Forteguerri appointed Legate of the Fleet. Pius II leaves Siena for Rome. Agitation of the Cardinals against the Crusade.

The Pope's illness, he persists in setting out. Anger of Louis XI, threat of General Council. Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini appointed Vicar of Rome. Arrival of large numbers of Crusaders in Italy. The Pope takes the Cross in the Vatican Basilica. Delays at Pisa, many of the Crusaders return home.

Illness of Cardinal Ammanati. Pius II falls seriously ill at Ancona. A pestilence breaks out at Ancona the Pope. Venice refuses to find transport for the Crusaders. The Venetians attack Trieste . Delay in the arrival of the Doge at Ancona . Increased illness of Pius II. Arrival of the Venetian fleet. The Pope receives Holy Viaticum his address to the Cardinals

Death of Pius II. on the Eve of the Assumption 370. His death brings the Crusade to an end

 

1465

Death of the Despot of the Morea . His claims descend to the Jagellon family