Enea Silvio Piccolomini was elected as Pope Pius II in a papal conclave held in Siena, Italy. He was born into a noble family and cultivated a reputation as a humanist, historian, and diplomat. His election came at a time when the Catholic Church faced significant challenges, including corruption and the need for reform. As Pope, Pius II was dedicated to addressing these issues, promoting educational initiatives and the revival of classical learning. His works around humanism influenced various aspects of the church's approach to spirituality and culture.

One of the notable initiatives of Enea Silvio was the attempted crusade against the Ottoman Empire. Aware of the Islamic expansion into Europe and the threats it posed, Pius II sought to rally European princes for a unified effort against this menace. His efforts, however, faced logistical difficulties and were not entirely successful. Nonetheless, Pius II's ambition reflected the growing awareness of the interconnection between politics and religion during this time.

Pius II’s papacy was also marked by his focus on the beautification of Rome and the commissioning of significant artistic works. He initiated projects aimed at restoring and enhancing the city's religious monuments, paving the way for future Renaissance papacies that would continue to foster artistic and architectural endeavors. His tenure included a profound engagement with the promotion of literacy and scholarship within the church, seeking to align the church more closely with the intellectual movements of the Renaissance period.