NICHOLAS V

born Nov. 15, 1397, Sarzana, Republic of Genoa died 1455, Rome original name Tommaso Parentucelli influential Renaissance pope (reigned 144755) and founder of the Vatican Library. Soon after his election, he brought to an end the schism caused by rivalries between popes and councils. By 1455 he had restored peace to the Papal States and to Italy. He began a program for the rebuilding of many of Rome's architectural wonders, including St. Peter's Church, and became the patron of many artists and scholars. His failure to promote real religious reform, however, helped to bring about the Reformation of the 16th century.