POPE LUCIUS III, THE ELDERLY POPE

One of the oldest popes, Lucius was a political man as well as a negotiator. Lucius was born around 1097, making him 84 when he ascended to the chair of Peter. Born Ubaldo Allucingoli, he was likely the son of Orlando, a member of a prominent Lucca family. We know...

POPE ALEXANDER III, MASTER NEGOTIATOR

Roland, or Orlando, Bandinelli of Siena was pope from 7 September 1159 to 30 August 1181. His was the longest reign since Adrian I in the eighth century. Born around 1100-1105, Orlando probably studied at Bologna where he became a renowned canonist and lawyer, writing...

POPE ADRIAN IV, THE ONLY ENGLISH POPE

Nicholas Breakspear was born around 1100 in Hertfordshire, England. He bears the distinction of being the only pope of English origin. Nicholas may not have a lot of schooling as a child. His parents were of humble origin. As a relatively young man, Nicholas went to...