Nicholas V | |
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Bishop of Rome | |
![]() Portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, 1610s | |
Church | Catholic Church |
Papacy began | 6 March 1447 |
Papacy ended | 24 March 1455 |
Predecessor | Eugene IV |
Successor | Callixtus III |
Orders | |
Ordination | 1422 by Niccolò Albergati |
Consecration | 17 March 1447 by Francesco Condulmer |
Created cardinal | 16 December 1446 by Eugene IV |
Personal details | |
Born | Tommaso Parentucelli 15 November 1397 |
Died | 24 March 1455 (aged 57) Rome, Papal States |
Previous post(s) |
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Coat of arms | ![]() |
Other popes named Nicholas |
Papal styles of Pope Nicholas V | |
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Reference style | His Holiness |
Spoken style | Your Holiness |
Religious style | Holy Father |
Posthumous style | None |
Pope Nicholas V (Latin: Nicholaus V; Italian: Niccolò V; 15 November 1397 – 24 March 1455),[1] born Tommaso Parentucelli, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 6 March 1447 until his death, in March 1455.[2] Pope Eugene IV made him a cardinal in 1446 after successful trips to Italy and Germany, and when Eugene died the next year, Parentucelli was elected in his place. He took his name Nicholas in memory of his obligations to Niccolò Albergati.
The pontificate of Nicholas saw the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks and the end of the Hundred Years' War. He responded by calling a crusade against the Ottomans, which never materialized. By the Concordat of Vienna he secured the recognition of papal rights over bishoprics and benefices. He also brought about the submission of the last of the antipopes, Felix V, and the dissolution of the Synod of Basel. A key figure in the Roman Renaissance, Nicholas sought to make Rome the home of literature and art. He strengthened fortifications, restored aqueducts, and rebuilt many churches. He ordered design plans for what would eventually be the Basilica of St. Peter.
He is the last pope to date to take the pontifical name "Nicholas".