Alexander VI 214th Pope, "the darkest figure of the papacy" Date of Birth: 01.01.1431 Country: Italy

1. Alexander VI: The Darkest Figure of the Papacy
2. The Beast of Debauchery
3. The Unpopularity of Alexander VI

Alexander VI: The Darkest Figure of the Papacy

Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia), the 214th Pope of Rome, was born on January 1, 1431, in the town of Xàtiva, near Valencia. His mother, Isabella de Borja, was the sister of Cardinal Alfonso Borgia. Rodrigo made his final career choice when his uncle became Pope Callixtus III. His influential uncle sent Rodrigo to study law at the University of Bologna and soon made him a cardinal, despite being only 25 years old. The young man proved to be a skilled administrator. His personal asceticism and extensive possessions allowed him to become one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. On August 26, 1492, he was crowned in St. Peter's Basilica under the name Alexander VI. His entire pontificate is a story of the Borgia clan's struggle for power in Rome and all of Italy. First and foremost, the Pope took care of Rome. He fortified the Mausoleum of Hadrian, turning it into a true fortress. By strengthening the Torre dei Noni, he protected the city from attacks from the sea. Alexander VI can be considered the founder of the Città Leonina - a large part of Rome. Many architectural works were carried out under his leadership and by his orders.

The Beast of Debauchery

Even during his lifetime, Alexander VI was condemned as a "monster of debauchery". Despite his position, Rodrigo led a dissolute lifestyle, enjoyed lavish celebrations, and had a relationship with his mistress Vannozza Cattanei, who bore him several children. Even in the official history of the Catholic Church, he is characterized as the "darkest figure of the papacy," and his pontificate is called a "misfortune for the Church." Pope Alexander VI was given the nickname "the apothecary of Satan" during his reign, which was associated with his ability to make poisons. His death was peculiar. Along with several cardinals, he had lunch as a guest at a villa. With the onset of twilight, the Pope made the imprudent decision to go outside, caught a fever, and died on August 18, 1503. Judging by how bloated and quickly decomposed his body became, some contemporaries speculated that the Pope was poisoned. There were rumors that he mistakenly drank poisoned wine prepared by Alexander's son for the villa owner.

The Unpopularity of Alexander VI

Alexander's unpopularity was such that the priests of St. Peter's Basilica initially refused to bury the Pope in the cathedral. Only four cardinals were present at the funeral, and his successor, Pius III, prohibited masses for the repose of his soul.