Pope Pius II (Latin: Pius PP. II, Italian: Pio II), born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (Latin: Aeneas Silvius Bartholomeus; 18 October 1405 – 14 August 1464), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 19 August 1458 to his death.. Aeneas Silvius was an author, diplomat, and orator, and private secretary of Antipope Felix V and then the Emperor Frederick III, and ...

Pius II was an outstanding Italian humanist and astute politician who as pope (reigned 1458–64) tried to unite Europe in a crusade against the Turks at a time when they threatened to overrun all of Europe.

Pope Pius II is known as one of the most prominent leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in the Late Middle Ages. Historians of the papacy note that Pius II was unique in that prior to ascending to the height of the Roman See, he served as a layman in a variety of offices.

Oct 11, 2022 · The rehabilitation of popular piety was an important fruit of this Holy Year, and Pope Francis today often insists on the importance of promoting these forms of devotion.

He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969; from 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

Jan 14, 2025 · Though billed by the publisher as the first memoir by a sitting pope, it trails Pope Pius II's reflections on the Renaissance in "The Commentaries" by several centuries. Still, it's fairly unusual for a modern pope to reveal his thoughts so directly. Here are five new things we learn about Francis in "Hope." 1. He was nearly not born at all.

Pope Pius II (Latin: Pius Secundus; 18 October 1405 – 14 August 1464), born Enea Silvio Piccolomini, was an Italian priest of the Roman Catholic Church and the 211th Pope from August 19, 1458 until his death in 1464.

May 24, 2024 · Pope Pius II was a brilliant young man, a lector, a convincing orator and a writer. His ability to negotiate with or for others was well known. His papacy was not very vibrant; his dream of the final Crusade did not come to fruition.

Mar 10, 2021 · Pope Francis said Monday that Vatican authorities were considering holding a small public audience again, but he would wait to decide until the coronavirus situation became clearer.

10 hours ago · Pope Francis delivers his Angelus address from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 2, 2025, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. | Credit: Vatican Media