Cusanus as Peacemaker and Military Strategist in the Papal States (1459)

The surprising appointment as “Legatus Urbis”, the Pope’s representative in secular affairs, made Nicholas of Cusa responsible for war and peace in the Papal States. The paper examines the preconditions and achievements of Nicholas of Cusa in this role. Despite some experience in peacemaking as papal legate and with military crisis management as bishop of Brixen, Nicholas of Cusa did not actually fit the requirement profile of the “Legatus Urbis”. Nevertheless, as an impartial mediator, he succeeded in maintaining peace and order in the Papal States for the duration of his office.