Early Life

Pope Nicholas V was  born Tommaso Parentucelli in Sarzana, Lugiria, Italy. At a young age, he lost his father and was later made to tutor the Strozzi and Albizzi families, where he soon became friends with many humanists. He spent his early years as a poor priest and a bellringer. He soon fell in love with antiques and the arts. This fueled his passion for learning and humanities.

After studying in Bololgna, the bishop of that area, Albergata, employed him as his personal assistant. He accompanied the bishop to many missions and was on the lookout for books, which he loved dearly.

After Albergata's death, he went to work under Cardinal Candriani, where he discovered much about Papal Diplomacy.

The Path to Papacy

 He soon became Bishop of Bologna under Pope Eugenius IV. On behalf of the Vatican, he held negotiations with Frederick III. Eugenius IV made him a cardinal for this, and soon later Eugenius passed away.

After his death, Parentucelli was officially decided to be the new pope. On March 19, he was crowned Pope Nicholas V. Although he was a compromise choice, Cardnial Prospero Colonna grew to love him.

 

Sources

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Nicholas_V.jpg

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11058a.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/pope-nicholas-v

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/6461/nick4.jpg

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