Pius III
Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini · 1503 – 1503
The nephew of Pius II who was elected as a reform candidate but died just twenty-six days after his coronation.
Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini was the nephew of Pius II and had been a cardinal for over four decades when he was elected pope in 1503, succeeding the controversial Alexander VI. The cardinals chose him as a compromise reform candidate. He was already in poor health at his election and was not formally crowned until October 8. He immediately announced his intention to convene a reform council, but his body gave out before he could act. He died on October 18, 1503, after one of the shortest pontificates in history. Julius II succeeded him.
Twenty-Six Days
Pius III's pontificate is a footnote, but the fact that the cardinals chose him tells you something. After Alexander VI, they wanted decency. They got it, just not for long enough to matter. The reform Pius III hoped to begin would wait another two decades for the Council of Trent.