Who he was
Alfonso de Borja came of a noble Spanish family and at first followed the Avignon claimant Benedict XIII, but later persuaded Benedict's successor to submit to Martin V, ending that last remnant of the schism in Aragon. He became Bishop of Valencia in 1429 and a cardinal in 1444, and was known for his austere life, firmness and prudence. Elected in April 1455, already old, he gave his reign almost entirely to rallying Europe against the Ottoman Turks after the fall of Constantinople. He died in Rome in August 1458.
What he is remembered for
He ordered the bells to be rung at midday so that the faithful would pray for the crusaders, and his efforts helped bring about the great Christian victory at Belgrade in 1456. He ordered the retrial of St Joan of Arc, which declared her innocent. He was criticised for advancing his nephews, among them Rodrigo Borgia, the future Alexander VI.
Sources
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