The Papacy in the Late Middle Ages

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Pope Nicholas V

Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455)

With Nicholas we enter into the last phase of our narrative of the papacy. The popes hereafter are commonly called the "Renaissance popes," in part because of their patronage of the arts and in part simply because they were reigning during the height of the Italian Renaissance. The period is often characterized as being filled not only with pomp but also corruption, and at least a couple of popes fill that bill quite neatly. The period ends, naturally, with the advent of the Reformation.

Since the phrase "Renaissance papacy" is hardly more than one of convenience, there's no particular significance to starting with Nicholas. He had a Renaissance pedigree, certainly, for he had served as tutor to both the Strozzi and Albizzi families in Florence, where he befriended humanists. He studied theology at Bologna and was archbishop there for a time.

Once pope, Nicholas began the arduous process of cleaning up and rebuilding Rome, which had fallen into terrible disrepair during the Avignonese papacy and the Schism. He began the process of rebuilding St Peter's Cathedral, which likewise was a mess. He also began rebuilding the city walls and reconstruction of an ancient aqueduct to bring clean water into the city (it emptied into a pool that today is the famous Trevi Fountain).

He certainly gave a welcome to humanist scholars, chief among whom was Lorenzo Valla, who served as papal secretary. Valla is famous for his proof that the Donation of Constantine was a forgery. Most lastingly, Nicholas founded the Vatican Library, which has ever since been one of the great libraries of the world.

His pontificate ended in difficulties. There was a plot in Rome to seize the city (Stephen Porcaro), though it was discovered in time. That was in 1452. The following year, Constantinople fell. Nicholas preached a crusade for its recovery, but there was little response and he died regretting his inability to rescue eastern Christendom.