POPE LUCIUS III, THE ELDERLY POPE

by | Sep 7, 2022 | Popes

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

by | Sep 7, 2022 | Popes

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

by | Sep 7, 2022 | Popes

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...

POPE ANASTASIUS IV, THE OLD POPE

by | Aug 31, 2022 | Popes

Pope Anastasius IV was born about 1073 and was named Corrado (Conrad) Demetri della Subarra. He was a Roman, the son of Benedictus della Subarra. If the computations are correct, that means that he became pope at the age of 80. At one time, historians claimed that...

POPE LUCIUS II, FACING DEATH IN BATTLE

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Popes

Pope Lucius II was born Gherardo Caccionemicci, son of Orso, in the late eleventh century. His home town was Bologna. He entered into important duties at a relatively young age. Cherardo was a canon of the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca Italy at a time when the...