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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 REFORMC8. 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 Bethlehem. Bestows 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
1st. Diether 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
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