Anastasius IV
Italy·12th century·Medieval Papacy·Secular clerk
Pope Anastasius IV, born Corrado Demetri della Suburra, served as head of the Catholic Church from July 1153 until his death in December 1154. During his brief pontificate, he acted as a peacemaker, resolving disputes with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the issue of William Fitzherbert's appointment to the See of York. He also dedicated resources to the Lateran Basilica and Palace.
Key Facts
- ›Born Corrado Demetri della Suburra, son of Benedictus de Suburra.
- ›Created cardinal-priest of S. Pudenziana by Pope Paschal II.
- ›Promoted to the suburbicarian See of Sabina by Pope Honorius II.
- ›Vicar in Italy for Pope Innocent II when the Pope fled to France.
- ›Dean of the College of Cardinals at the time of his election.
- ›Died on December 3, 1154.
- Came To Terms With Emperor Frederick Barbarossa Regarding the See of Magdeburg.
- Closed the Quarrel Over the Appointment of William Fitzherbert To the See of York.
- Sent the Pallium To William Fitzherbert Despite Opposition.
- Devoted Time and Expenses To the Lateran Basilica and Palace.
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, William Fitzherbert, Pope Paschal Ii, Pope Honorius Ii, Pope Innocent Ii, Antipope Anacletus Ii, College of Cardinals, Cistercian Order, Lateran Basilica and Palace
About Anastasius IV
Pope Anastasius IV
Pope Anastasius IV, born Corrado Demetri della Suburra around 1073, served as the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from July 8, 1153, until his death on December 3, 1154. He is notable as the most recent pope to adopt the name "Anastasius" upon his election.
Early Life and Career
Born in Rome to Benedictus de Suburra, likely of the Demetri family, Corrado Demetri della Suburra began his clerical career as a secular clerk. He was elevated to cardinal-priest of S. Pudenziana by Pope Paschal II no later than 1114. Pope Honorius II further promoted him to the suburbicarian See of Sabina in 1127 or 1128, a position likely earned by supporting Honorius II during a dispute over the appointment of an abbot for Farfa Abbey. Anastasius IV was involved in the complex papal election of 1130, strongly opposing Antipope Anacletus II. When Pope Innocent II was forced to flee to France, Anastasius IV remained behind as his vicar in Italy. By the time of his election to the papacy in July 1153, he held the esteemed position of Dean of the College of Cardinals and was likely its oldest member.
Pontificate
Anastasius IV's pontificate, though short, was characterized by his role as a peacemaker. He successfully negotiated an agreement with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa concerning the appointment to the See of Magdeburg, thereby closing a vexing issue. He also resolved a protracted quarrel, which had spanned four pontificates, over the appointment of William Fitzherbert to the See of York by granting him the pallium, despite significant opposition from the powerful Cistercian order. Beyond diplomatic efforts, Anastasius IV dedicated considerable time and financial resources to the restoration and embellishment of the Lateran Basilica and Palace in Rome.
Death and Succession
Pope Anastasius IV died on December 3, 1154, and was succeeded by Cardinal Nicholas Breakspear, who became Pope Adrian IV. Anastasius IV was buried within the Helena sarcophagus, which was brought out and repurposed for his tomb.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Anastasius IV serve as pope?
Pope Anastasius IV served as pope from July 8, 1153, until his death on December 3, 1154.
What was Pope Anastasius IV's birth name?
His birth name was Corrado Demetri della Suburra. He was born around 1073.
What were Pope Anastasius IV's major achievements?
During his pontificate, Anastasius IV acted as a peacemaker, resolving disputes with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa over the See of Magdeburg and the long-standing quarrel regarding William Fitzherbert's appointment to the See of York. He also invested in the Lateran Basilica and Palace.
Who succeeded Pope Anastasius IV?
Pope Anastasius IV was succeeded by Cardinal Nicholas Breakspear, who took the name Pope Adrian IV.
What was Anastasius IV's role before becoming pope?
Before his papacy, Anastasius IV was a secular clerk. He was made a cardinal-priest of S. Pudenziana and later promoted to the suburbicarian See of Sabina. He also served as Pope Innocent II's vicar in Italy.
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