Nicholas V (1397-1455) was elected pope in 1447. The first true Renaissance pope, he drew inspiration from intellectual developments in Florence, the leading humanist center in Italy. The humanists were scholars and artists who studied such subjects as history, literature, and philosophy to better understand the problems of humanity (see Renaissance (Humanism) ). Nicholas spent vast sums on ancient Greek and Roman and early Christian church manuscripts. This collection became the core of the Vatican Library. Nicholas also sponsored many humanists in Rome to translate Greek works into Latin.
Nicholas aimed to make Rome the capital of the Christian world again. He proclaimed 1450 a jubilee year (a year in which punishment for sin is cancelled). This proclamation attracted many pilgrims to Rome. Nicholas rebuilt many structures in Rome. Nicholas was born in Sarzana, Italy, on Nov. 15, 1397. His given and family name was Tommaso Parentucelli. He died on March 24 or 25, 1455.
