Frederick III was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in a ceremonial event led by Pope Nicholas V in Rome. This event was significant as Frederick III became the last emperor to be crowned in the traditional medieval way, which had a deep symbolic connection to the church's authority over the monarchy. The ceremony took place at St. Peter's Basilica, emphasizing the critical role of the papacy in the legitimization of the emperor’s rule. This event illustrated the enduring tradition of the emperor's divine right to govern, derived directly from the Pope’s blessing.

The coronation followed a period of complex negotiations between the Habsburg dynasty and the papacy, highlighting the interdependence of religious and political power during the late Middle Ages. The role of Pope Nicholas V was particularly vital as he sought to restore the prestige of the papacy amid ongoing challenges, including those posed by emerging nation-states and internal church reform movements. This coronation reaffirmed the structural framework of authority in Europe, which involved kings ruling through the consent of the church.

Frederick III's reign continued in a time characterized by the decline of the Holy Roman Empire's influence, with territories gradually gaining autonomy. The last medieval coronation also served as a precursor for future emperors, who would rely more on political maneuvering than papal endorsement as power dynamics shifted significantly in the ensuing decades.