016 - Bk IV Ch 3 Nicolas V and the Fall of Constantinople 1453-1455 Pt 3

In Volume III of this captivating exploration of the Papacy, we delve into the tumultuous Council of Basel, where Pope Eugenius IV fiercely defends papal autonomy amidst rising calls for church reform. Central to this narrative is Aeneus Sylvius Piccolomini, known as Pope Pius II—a renowned author, diplomat, and Renaissance humanist whose life ended in Ancona while leading a failed crusade. Creighton poignantly observes that within Pius II, Weakness and strength are strangely blended; vanity and littleness mix with high purpose and far-reaching plans. This volume presents a vivid portrayal of a leader who envisioned a loftier ideal of Christendom than most of his contemporaries, even if he struggled to manifest it in action. Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.