Pope Gelasius II, the Suffering Pope

by | Apr 24, 2022 | Popes

Pope Gelasius II Probably no pope suffered as many indignities in as short a period of time as Pope Gelasius II. Born Giovanni (John) Caetani (of Gaeta), of noble parents, about 1060/64, the child showed much intelligence. He was sent to Monte Cassino, the famous...

THE CRUSADES AND POPE URBAN II

by | Apr 7, 2022 | Popes

Pope Urban II encouraged Christian warriors to fight in the Crusades Eudes de Lagery, or Odo, as is more common, went on to become Pope Urban II, the man who started the Crusades. Born around 1035, he was member of a noble family from a village near Reims, France. He...

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 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...