Pope Pius III
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Pope Pius III, born Francesco Todeschini, then Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, was head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States from 22 September 1503 to his death. At just twenty-six
Portrait of Pope Pius III, preserved at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Former tomb of Pius III
Pope Pius II
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Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 19 August 1458 to his death in 1464.
Pope Pius III
…from 22 September 1503 to his death. At just twenty-six days, he had one of the shortest pontificates in papal history. Francesco was the nephew of Pope Pius II, who granted him the use of the family name "Piccolomini", and appointed the twenty-one-year old Francesco as Archbishop of Siena. He served as papal…
Fresco portrait by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini library of Siena Cathedral, made c. 1500
Enea Silvio Piccolomini presents Emperor Frederick III with his bride-to-be Eleanore of Portugal; fresco by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini library in Siena Cathedral
Portrait by van Gent and Berruguete c. 1470
Pius II by Cristofano dell'Altissimo