Pope Lucius II

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Lucius II
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Callixtus II
Personal details
Born
Gherardo Caccianemici dal Orso

Died(1145-02-15)15 February 1145
Rome, Papal States, Holy Roman Empire
Other popes named Lucius
19th-century religious card depicting Lucius II

Pope Lucius II (died 15 February 1145), born Gherardo Caccianemici dal Orso, was head of the

papacy. He supported Empress Matilda's claim to England in the Anarchy, and had a tense relationship with King Roger II of Sicily
.

Early life

Gherardo Caccianemici dal Orso, the son of Orso Caccianemici

Gospels bound with plates of gold and adorned with jewels, as well as an altar-cover and two chased silver-gilt ampullae for use at Mass.[4] Honorius also appointed him the librarian of the Diocese of Rome[1] before appointing him papal legate in Germany in 1125.[2] While there, he helped support the candidacy of Holy Roman Emperor Lothair III[3] as well as appointing Saint Norbert of Xanten as the Archbishop of Magdeburg.[2] In 1128, Gherardo was sent to Benevento to govern the city, which had overthrown the previous rector.[5]

In 1130 he was again appointed legate to Germany by

papal election of 1144, Gherardo was elected as Lucius II and consecrated on 12 March 1144.[2] He probably took his name in honor of Pope Lucius I, who was commemorated a few days prior to Gherardo's consecration.[3]

Pontificate

Relations with England and Portugal

Lucius was involved in the usual running of church business throughout medieval

Bishop of St David's, to elevate his see to the rank of metropolitan bishop, and to take the pallium to Archbishop William of York.[6] Regarding the political situation in England, he took the side of the Empress Matilda over the rights to the English crown.[7]

Early in his reign, Lucius received a request from prominent members of the town of

suzerain of the castle within the town in order to protect it from the war between Lucca and Pisa. Lucius received it on 18 March 1144 and, for a payment of ten pounds of gold, agreed to defend it on his behalf. Lucius then returned the castle to them as a fief.[8]

Meanwhile, in

King of Portugal, but instead as Dux Portugallensis.[9] The royal title would eventually be conferred by Pope Alexander III.[10]

Finally, the city of Corneto, formally belonging to the Papal States, was restored to the papacy during Lucius’ pontificate by a formal deed on 20 November 1144.[10]

Conflict with Roger II of Sicily

Although Lucius had been the friend of King

Roger III of Apulia to invade Campania.[11] Duke Roger did as he was asked, and sent his general Robert of Selby against Lucius, ravaging the country as far north as Ferentino.[11] This forced the Romans to capitulate, and in September 1144, Lucius agreed to Roger's terms, negotiating a seven-year truce.[7] The Normans in return withdrew back to their conquered territories[11] and promised not to attack Benevento or any other papal territory.[7]

Emergence of the Roman Commune

This surrender on the part of Lucius II gave an opportunity for members of the Roman Senate to reassert their ancient independence and authority and to erect a revolutionary republic at Rome which sought to deprive the pope of his temporal power. The principal groups involved in this movement were the merchants and artisans, while the urban nobility kept their neutrality.[7]

The Senate, which practically took all temporal power from the pope during the pontificate of Innocent II, had been managed with considerable skill and firmness by Lucius at the beginning of his pontificate, convincing many senators to either leave the Capitoline Hill or to lay down their magisterium.[13] Now, encouraged by Lucius II's defeat, the Senate, led by Giordano Pierleoni, brother of the former Antipope Anacletus II, rebelled against Lucius II, driving out the papal prefects[7] and establishing the Commune of Rome.[13] They demanded the pope abandon all governmental duties, and that he would retain only ecclesiastical taxes and voluntary tributes.[7] The Senate took over powers to elect magistrates and strike its own coinage.[14] At first, Lucius asked for Roger II's aid, but Roger, still annoyed that Lucius had not fully recognised his kingship, withheld his assistance.[7] Lucius then turned for help to Conrad, King of the Romans,[12] and on December 1144 wrote to him pleading for military assistance against the Senate and the Patrician Giordano Pierleoni.[13] Lucius was supported by Bernard of Clairvaux, who also wrote to Conrad, asking for him to intervene.[15]

While waiting for Conrad's reply, Lucius decided to take matters into his own hands.

ordain the abbot of San Saba on 20 January 1145.[15]

Finally, Lucius marched against the Senatorial positions on the Capitol with a small army. He was driven back by Giordano,[15] and according to Godfrey of Viterbo, he was seriously injured during this battle (by a thrown stone).[15] He did not recover from his injuries and died on 15 February 1145[12] at San Gregorio Magno al Celio, where he was under the protection of the neighbouring Frangipani fortress.[6]

Lucius II was buried at

St John Lateran in the circular portico behind the apse.[6] His heraldic badge was a shield of argent, with a bear rampant of proper sable.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Mann, pg. 114
  2. ^ a b c d e f Thomas, pg. 91
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Levillain, pg. 959
  4. ^ a b c Mann, pg. 115
  5. ^ Mann, The Lives of the Popes in the Middle Ages, Vol 8, pg. 256
  6. ^ a b c d Mann, pg. 119
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Levillain, pg. 960
  8. ^ a b Mann, pg. 121
  9. ^ Mann, pg 122
  10. ^ a b Mann, pg. 123
  11. ^ a b c d e Mann, pg. 116
  12. ^ a b c d Thomas, pg. 92
  13. ^ a b c Mann, pg. 117
  14. .
  15. ^ a b c d e Mann, pg. 118
  16. ^ Mann, pg. 113

Sources

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
Celestine II
Pope
1144–45
Succeeded by
Eugene III