Una protezione ben accetta? La nobiltà polacco-lituana nei confronti dell’impegno pontificio nelle elezioni dei re (1572-1587)

The article examines the attitude of the Polish-Lithuanian nobility towards the papal commitment in the royal elections (1572-1587). The juridical situation of papal diplomats during the vacancy of the elective throne is analysed. Confessional aspects are discussed, as they strongly influenced the noble attitude. The documentary basis of the research consists of diplomatic correspondence, political diaries, as well as chronicles of the epoch.