Pope Pius III

Also known as: Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini
Profile: Nephew of Pope Pius II. Born to a poor side of the family, he was semi-adopted by Pius II. Studied law in Perugia, Italy. Cardinal-deacon and archbishop of Siena on 5 March 1460 at age 22. Papal legate to the March of Ancona in April 1460. Papal legate to Germany for Pope Paul II. During the reigns of Pope Sixtus IV and Pope Alexander VI, periods of corruption and worldliness in the Vatican, he stayed away from Rome. Attended the Diet of Ratisbon. Suffered severely from gout. 215th pope; his papacy lasted 26 days. He started a system of reform of the papal court, but did not live to see it through.
Born: 9 May 1439 in Siena, Italy as Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini
Papal Ascension: elected 22 September 1503; installed 8 October 1503
Died: 18 October 1503 of blood poisoning from an ulcer on his leg at Rome, Italy; rumours of poisoning began immediately upon his death; buried in Saint Peter's Basilica; remains later transferred to San Andrea della Valle and interred beside Pope Pius II
Additional Information: Catholic Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
New Catholic Dictionary
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Readings: [H]e left no moment unoccupied; his time for study was before daybreak; he spent his mornings in prayer and his midday hours in giving audiences, to which the humblest had easy access. He was so temperate in food and drink that he only allowed himself an evening meal every other day.

- Sigismondo de Conti, a friend of Pius III

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