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# Pope Paul II, born Pietro Barbo, his collections, nickname and death at 54
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/papa-petro-barbo-khotel-vziat-imia-formoz-ii-ot-formosus-krasivyi-prekrasnyi/
- Published: 2018-03-10T17:05:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T18:56:19.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Faith, Mores, People, Rome, Humour

Pope Pietro Barbo wished to take the name Formosus II, from formosus, "beautiful, handsome". On the advice of older friends, however, he chose the more neutral Paul II. Long before his papacy Pietro Barbo had earned the nickname Our Lady of Mercy (Maria Pietissima) for weeping when he addressed the Mother of God, for his love of sumptuous attire and, possibly, for his inclination towards male love. But that is not certain. During his pontificate Paul II devoted himself to embellishment, from the generous showering of the papal tiara with precious stones to his outstanding collections of medals, antiquities, works of art and coins, and the immoderate advancement of young, attractive priests. He died very young, at 54, reportedly from overeating melon. But there is a view that Paul II in fact expired during intercourse with one of his attendants.