Pope Nicholas V

Tommaso Parentucelli, born 15 November 1397, became a cardinal in 1446 after diplomatic work in Italy and Germany, then pope on 6 March 1447, taking the name Nicholas in honor of Niccolò Albergati. His eight years at the head of the Church coincided with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans and the end of the Hundred Years' War; he called for a crusade that never came. Through the Concordat of Vienna he secured papal control over bishoprics and benefices, and he brought the last antipope, Felix V, to submit, ending the Synod of Basel. He poured energy into making Rome a capital of literature and art, strengthening walls, restoring aqueducts, rebuilding churches, and commissioning the first design plans for what would become St. Peter's Basilica. He died 24 March 1455, the last pope to carry the name Nicholas.