Pope Pius III

Pius III (May 9, 1439-October 18, 1503, originally known as Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, reigned from September 22, 1503 to October 18, 1503) was the ninth-shortest Pope in Catholic history, reigning for only 27 days.

Born in Siena, central Italy, he was the son of Laodamia, sister of Pope Pius II. At the age of 22, Pope Pius II promoted him to bishop and allowed him to inherit the name and crest of the Piccolomini family. Subsequent popes employed him in several important institutions. He cared for Pope Paul II's living and food, and preached in Umbria, central Italy, under the orders of Pope Sixtus IV. Pius III was elected as the new pope after Pope Alexander VI was murdered by Cardinal Rovere.

After Pius III was elected, his reforms followed on September 22. At his hands, the reform of the Inquisition was immediately adopted and Cardinal Borgia was arrested. But on the 26th, he died of leg ulcers. There are rumors that he was poisoned by the then governor of Siena, Pandolfo Petrucci, but this statement has been considered a conspiracy theory by later historians.