ANTI-POPE CLEMENT III

by | Mar 29, 2022 | Popes

Guibert of Ravenna, Clement III, has been referred to as of irreproachable character. So, why did Pope Pascal toss his body in the Tiber? Born around 1029, he early entered the Church and was a cleric by his 20s. Empress Agnes appointed him chancellor of Italy in...

POPE VICTOR III, “A MAN OF UNUSUAL HOLINESS”

by | Mar 24, 2022 | Popes

Dauferio of Benevento, Pope Victor III, was born around 1026, possibly the son of Prince Landulf V, a Lombard prince. As an only son, the family expected Dauferio to marry and carry on the family name. However, twice he managed to escape arranged marriages and go to a...

POPE GREGORY VII

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Popes, Saints

Photo by Miguel Alcântara on Unsplash One of the most famous popes of the Middle Ages, Pope Gregory VII came from humble beginnings.  Born between 1020 and 1025, Hildebrand Bonizi was born in Tuscany. He went to Rome at an early age and studied at the palace...

POPE ALEXANDER II, THE START OF A NEW ERA

by | Mar 10, 2022 | Popes

Alexander II was the first pope elected under Pope Nicholas II’s new bull, “In Nomine Domine”, whereby popes were elected only by cardinals. A new era had begun. Born around 1010-1015, Anselm of Baggio grew up in the parish of Cesano Boscone. This was in the town of...