37. He became Pope Callixtus III, and unlike his descendants was a pretty decent chap
Alfonso impressed the Vatican again when peacefully representing the king’s territorial interests in Italy, and was made a Cardinal in 1444. Alfonso lived his life austerely and charitably, and his skill in diplomacy made him a popular figure in Rome. So much, in fact, that when a new pope was elected in 1455, Alfonso was the only candidate everyone could accept. Though riddled with gout, and in his seventies, he became Pope Callixtus III and served for just over 3 years until his death in 1458.