Apr 042012
![[Pope Nicholas III]](http://saints.sqpn.com/pope0188.jpg "11kb jpg illustration of Pope Nicholas III, date unknown, artist unknown")
![[coat of arms of Pope Nicholas III]](http://saints.sqpn.com/ncd05772.jpg "jpg New Catholic Dictionary illustration of the coat of arms of Pope Nicholas III")
Also known as
- Giovanni Gaetano Orsini
Profile
Cardinal in 1244 by Pope Innocent IV. Papal diplomat. Close confidant of popes for 30 years. The Holy See was vacant for six months before his election. Worked to free the Papal States and the papacy from the influence of foreign rulers. Temporarily reunified the Franciscans who had split during an internal dispute over the definition of perfect poverty. Made the Vatican the permanent papal residence. At the request of the Tatar khan he sent Franciscan missionaries to Persia and China.
Born
Papal Ascension
Works
- Exiit Qui Seminat: Confirmation of the Rule of the Friars Minor, 14 August 1279
Additional Information
- Catholic Encyclopedia
- Catholic Under the Hood: Converting a Pope
- New Catholic Dictionary
MLA Citation