What excesses did Pope Alexander VI enjoy?

Answer 1

A:
Pope Alexander VI is none other than Rodrigo Borgia, described by two of his successors, Sixtus V and Urban VIII, as one of the most outstanding popes since St. Peter. Even before his election as pope, Cardinal Borgia was reckoned to be the second richest man in the college of cardinals, which included the richest men in Europe. He achieved election to the papacy by spectacular bribery, easily outspending any of the rival candidates for election - Borgia quickly bought the votes of thirteen cardinals and then only Ascanio Sforza remained as a potential rival. Sforza was a good bargainer and was promised both the lucrative office of vice-chancellor and a payment in cash as well.

Pope Alexander had many mistresses, including Vannozza (Giovanna) dei Cattani, wife of three successive husbands, who bore him four children whom he openly acknowledged as his own. Alexander is counted as an ancestor of virtually all royal houses of Europe, especially those in southern and Western Europe.