PIUS II. (Pope), before called Henricus Sylvius Bar. Piccolomini, was born at Corfignano of Siena in 1405. He was, at the age of 26, secretary to Dominico Capranico at the council of Bale, and had the provostship of St Laurence's church in Milan. Afterwards Alexander III. honoured him with the poetical crown, and employed him in divers embassies to Rome, Naples, Bohemia, &c. He managed several employments with success, especially in the diet which he called for the forming of a league against the Turks at Ratibon and Francfort, where he delighted himself with wonderful eloquence. Calixtus III. made him cardinal in 1456; and that pope, as he was advanced to his place, and took the name of Pius II. In 1458 he summoned the Christian princes against the Turks; and would have led some of his own forces, but died at Ancona, whither he was going in order to embark, in 1464, having sat 6 years, &c. His works were published at Bale 1571. He was a person of true courage, singular prudence, the best and most learned pope that wore the tiara for many ages before.