Responsio ad oratores regis FrancorumPius II, Pope, 1405-1464[circa 1460]latManuscript on paper of an oration by Pope Pius II in support of the candidature of Ferdinand I of Aragon for the throne of Naples and SicilyIn Latin.Script: copied by a single hand writing a small Gothica Hybrida Libraria/Currens under Humanistic influence. Heading in pale brown ink. Opening word in capitals and marginal captions in pale red ink. 3-line pale red initial on f. 1r.The present manuscript was probably copied soon after the oration was held at the council of Mantua in 1459. The Pope had requested the help of the Christian rulers for a crusade against the Turks. The King of France Charles VII refused his support unless the Pope would favour the candidature of René of Anjou to the throne of Naples and Sicily against the pretensions of Ferdinand I of Aragon. In the present oration, the Pope explains why he regrets to deny René's claim and supports Ferdinand.Binding: 20th century: plain parchment over pasteboard.