CARDINAL NICHOLAS OF CUSA
(1401- 1464)
Also referred to as
Nicholas of Kues and Nicolaus Cusanus, he was a German philosopher,
theologian, jurist, and astronomer. One of the first German
proponents of Renaissance humanism, he made spiritual and political
contributions in European history. A notable example of this is his
mystical or spiritual writings on "learned ignorance," as
well as his participation in power struggles between Rome and the
German states of the Holy Roman Empire.
As papal legate to Germany from 1446, he was
appointed cardinal for his merits by Pope Nicholas V in 1448 and
Prince–Bishop of Brixen two years later. In 1459 he became vicar
general in the Papal States. Nicholas of Cusa has remained an
influential figure.
The Cardinal was deeply troubled by the corruption
of the Church during his time, and, apparently had some insight on
what was going to happen in the future.
There is a seemingly prophetic paragraph he wrote
regarding the corruption of the Church, the near destruction of the
papacy and apostolic succession, and the renewal in one of his works,
(which has been misattributed to St. Nicolaus of Flue by authors such as by Yvves Dupont):
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From Cardinal
Cusa's 'De concordantia catholica' (The Catholic
Concordance) (1434)
“... the Church would sink still deeper, (i.e in
corruption) so that at last she would seem to be extinguished, and
even the succession of St. Peter and the other Apostles (seem) to die
out. Then, however, she would triumphantly raise herself once more
in sight of all her doubters.”
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