PIO III, POPE. - Francesco Todeschini, born in Siena around 1440, died in Rome on 18 Oct. 1503. Son of a sister of Pius II, he received from him the surname of Piccolomini, the archbishopric of Siena, the cardinal's hat (5 March 1460), the legation in the Marca, and the office of vicar in Rome and in the Papal States during the Pope's departure for Ancona.
From the following pontiffs he received further legations and offices. Esteemed for his integrity of life, his kindness of heart, his culture, and his love of art, among other works he had begun the construction of the Library of the Siena cathedral, entrusting its decoration to Pinturicchio in 1502. He was elected Pope in the Conclave following the death of Alexander VI, through a compromise among the various factions (22 Sept. 1503); and his election was greeted with joy. He wished to reform the Church and bring peace to Christendom; but being sickly, not strong in character, and fearing that the Venetians might take advantage of the collapse of the Borgias to extend their dominion in Romagna, he adopted an uncertain policy toward the Duke of Valentinois, which aroused distrust and apprehension. He died on 18 Oct. 1503, after a troubled pontificate. - See pl. CII.