35. Pope Callixtus’s nephew, Rodrigo, showed political nous after his uncle’s death
One of those targeted by the mob was Callixtus’s nephew, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. His reckless and libertine way of life was bad enough, but he was also a foreigner, born in Xàtiva, Spain. Vulnerable to nobles and fellow Cardinals bitter about Callixtus’s nepotism alike, Rodrigo took a big gamble. He backed Enea Piccolomini, a Siennese scholar made a Cardinal by Callixtus, in his bid to become the next pope. Thankfully for Rodrigo, if not anyone else, Piccolomini became Pius II, and the unpopular Spaniard was safe.