Openess about the Pope's children in the Borgias

In the series The Borgias there is a large degree of transparency about the fact that Pope Alexander VI has four children. This is taken to the point where he can marry off said children to political figureheads so as to gain power. Their mother was a Spanish Courtesan so they get no social standing from her.

Is it historially correct that the Pope is so open about his children? Even in the series how is it justified for him to be so open?

I do understand that he did historically aknowledge his children. However there are different levels of acknowledgement. I am asking how he could do so and did he do so to such an extent as portrayed in the series. How could he survive as pope while being so open about his children, to the point where they talk to them as their father infront of most everybody and he offers them in marraige as his children?

historical-accuracy the-borgias

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Openess about the Pope's children in the Borgias - Photo of Man in Raising Baby Under Blue Sky

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Openess about the Pope's children in the Borgias - Child Holding Hand of Another Person

How did Borgia became pope with children?

In 1476, Pope Sixtus appointed Borgia to be the cardinal-bishop of Porto. In 1480, the pope legitimized Cesare as a favour to Cardinal Borgia, and in 1482, the pope began to appoint the seven-year-old to church positions, demonstrating Borgia's intention to use his influence to promote his children.

Did the Borgia pope have a family?

He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the regnal name Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with Vannozza dei Cattanei, with whom he had four children: Giovanni; Cesare; Lucrezia; and Gioffre.

Which pope had a child?

Fathered illegitimate children before holy ordersNameReignOffspringPius II1458\u20131464Yes (at least two)Innocent VIII1484\u20131492Yes (two)Clement VII1523\u20131534Yes (one)

What Pope is the Borgias based on?

Alfonso de Borgia (1378\u20131458) established the family's influence in Italy and became Pope Calixtus III in 1455 (see Calixtus III). Rodrigo Borgia became a cardinal of the Roman Catholic church and, later (1492), Pope Alexander VI (see Alexander VI under Alexander [Papacy]).

Pope Francis calls for participation and openness as synodal journey begins

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Images: Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas, Dominika Roseclay, Josh Willink, Pixabay