How did Pope Nicholas V use castles and governors to secure papal territories?

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Montúfar, Antonio: Saint Francis of Assisi Appearing Before Pope Nicholas V, with Donors — Nicholas V *Saint Francis of Assisi Appearing Before Pope Nicholas V, with Donors*, oil on canvas by Antonio Montúfar, 1628; in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 107.95 × 87.63 cm.

Pope Nicholas V secured the Papal States by shifting away from the use of mercenary armies, which he disbanded upon taking office. Instead, he maintained control and restored peace through a strategy of utilizing strategically situated castles that were placed under the authority of carefully selected governors.1

This approach was part of a broader policy of seeking political and ecclesiastical peace through diplomacy and concession rather than military force. By relying on these fortified positions and trusted administrators, he was able to stabilize his territories while simultaneously pursuing a conciliatory stance toward the nobility and restive citizens in Rome.1