Reigned from August 19, 1458 to August 14, 1464. Born on October 18, 1405 in Corsignano, Italy as Ænea Silvio de' Piccolomini; died on August 14, 1464 in Ancona, Italy. Æneas Silvius was one of the foremost humanists of his age, and noted as a poet, historian, and statesman. Emperor Frederick III made him poet-laureate at his court. After a dissolute youth he entered the priesthood and labored zealously for the papacy; for his diplomatic successes he was made Bishop of Trieste, and of Siena. When elected he continued his literary work, devoting much time to his autobiography, unique in the history of the papacy, and to his geographical history which is said to have influenced Columbus. Due to the apathy of Christian princes he labored in vain to free Europe from the Turkish domination and he died at the mustering-place of the Crusaders as he was about to lead the expedition himself.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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