33. He secured his way to influence through corruption and buying up vast estates and castles
Though being Vice-Chancellor was already a lucrative gig, Rodrigo made it even more profitable through corruption and accepting bribes. Forging documents and granting divorces brought in vast sums of cash and left the bribers in Rodrigo’s pocket. He spent much of his ill-gotten gains on decorating his many homes and buying new ones that held authority. Rodrigo was also careful about which papal candidates he backed. In exchange for his backing, he expected money, privileges, and promotions for his relatives. Such political nous and corruption made him one of the most powerful men in Italy.
