POPE CLEMENT III AND THE THIRD CRUSADE

by | Oct 25, 2022 | Popes

Born around 1130, Paolo Scolari, a Roman citizen, was an older man when he took the throne of Peter December 17, 1187. Pope Gregory VIII died after only two months as he began preparations for the Third Crusade. Taking the name of Clement, the new Pope had much energy...

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...