[Andrew Byler]

Sixtus IV - Nepotism (a half dozen nephews appointed as Cardinals). Conspiracy to commit murder.

Innocent VIII - at least one marriage, one legitimate and a number of illegitimate children. Only appointed one nephew a Cardinal.

Alexander VI - several mistresses (one only 14 years old). Several illegitimate children by several different women, including married women.

Many of these charges are quite spurious and unsubstantiated in the actual historical record. Others were actions taken before they took up a serious religious life. They have life by endless repetition without thought or investigation - i.e. Alexander VI was a wicked man because Savaonarola and the rest of his enemies since said so.

[PAR35]

Others were actions taken before they took up a serious religious life.

At what point in their theological career did each decide to 'take up a serious religious life'? It appears it was well after each became a prince of the church.

[Puddleglum]

Sixtus IV - Nepotism (a half dozen nephews appointed as Cardinals). Conspiracy to commit murder. Innocent VIII - at least one marriage, one legitimate and a number of illegitimate children. Only appointed one nephew a Cardinal. Alexander VI - several mistresses (one only 14 years old). Several illegitimate children by several different women, including married women.

Sounds like King David's bio, and I think God chose him. God works in mysterious ways, whether these particular incidents are facts or not.