The Renaissance Popes, 1431-1521 (2): Pius II

The dates of his pontificate are 1458-1464. His full name was Aeneas Sylvius de' Piccolomini. As his name indicates, he was an Italian. He was of noble birth, though his parents, who had been banished from Siena, were poor. Aeneas has been given a place among the successful popes. But he was without principle and a profligate. He had illegitimate children before he became pope. For his love affairs were many. One of his sons was born in Scotland, and the other in Strassburg, by an...