Eugene III
Italy·12th century·Medieval Papacy·Cistercian
Pope Eugene III, born Bernardo, was the first Cistercian pope, serving from 1145 to 1153. He is primarily remembered for proclaiming the Second Crusade in response to the fall of Edessa and for his struggles to maintain papal authority in Rome against the Commune and figures like Arnold of Brescia. He was beatified in 1872.
Key Facts
- ›Born Bernardo near Pisa, he was the first Cistercian to become pope.
- ›Elected pope on February 15, 1145, the same day his predecessor Lucius II died.
- ›His pontificate was largely spent outside of Rome due to the Commune and Arnold of Brescia.
- ›He became known for his meek and spiritual nature.
- ›He continued to wear the coarse habit of a Cistercian monk under his papal robes until his death.
Bernardo, Bernardo da Pisa
Crusades, Clerical Reform
- Proclaimed the Second Crusade In Response To the Fall of Edessa.
- Issued the Bull Quantum Praedecessores Calling For the Second Crusade.
- Issued the Bull Militia Dei, Granting Privileges To the Templar Order.
- Held Synods In Paris, Rheims, and Trier For Clerical Reform.
- Attempted To Mediate the Failing Marriage of Louis Vii of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Bernard of Clairvaux, Arnold of Brescia, Louis Vii of France, Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Roger Ii of Sicily, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, Commune of Rome
About Eugene III
Pope Eugene III
Pope Eugene III (born Bernardo, c. 1080 – 8 July 1153) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 15 February 1145 until his death. He holds the distinction of being the first Cistercian monk to become pope. His pontificate was largely defined by external events and internal political struggles that often kept him away from Rome.
Life and Historical Context
Born Bernardo in the vicinity of Pisa, little is definitively known about his early life and family, though he was later associated with the Pisan aristocracy. He served as a canon and subdeacon in Pisa before entering the Cistercian Order under the influence of Bernard of Clairvaux in 1138. He later became abbot of S. Anastasio alle Tre Fontane. His election as pope in 1145 occurred on the same day as the death of his predecessor, Lucius II, who had been killed in an attack on the Capitol. Eugene III was described as a "simple character, gentle and retiring."
Papal Pontificate and Major Actions
Eugene III's papacy was significantly shaped by the fall of Edessa to Muslim forces in 1144. In response, he proclaimed the Second Crusade in December 1145, issuing the bull Quantum praedecessores to encourage participation, notably by Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany. The crusade, however, proved to be a major failure.
His time as pope was also marked by a struggle for control over Rome. Hardly had he left the city for his consecration when the citizens, led by Arnold of Brescia, established the Commune of Rome, opposing papal temporal power. This forced Eugene III into exile for much of his pontificate, residing in places like Viterbo, Siena, and France. He returned to Italy and briefly re-entered Rome, but continued hostility from the Commune compelled him to leave again. He died in Tivoli in 1153.
Veneration and Legacy
Despite the political difficulties and his absence from Rome, the citizens recognized Eugene III as their spiritual lord. He was noted for his piety and meekness, and his tomb at the Vatican gained fame for a purported miracle. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1872, signifying his recognized sanctity and influence.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eugene III before becoming pope?
Before becoming Pope Eugene III, he was known as Bernardo. He was a canon of the cathedral chapter in Pisa and later joined the Cistercian Order, becoming abbot of the monastery of S. Anastasio alle Tre Fontane outside Rome. He was the first Cistercian to be elected pope.
What was Eugene III's most significant action as pope?
Eugene III's most notable action was proclaiming the Second Crusade in December 1145, in response to the fall of Edessa to Muslim forces in 1144. He addressed the bull Quantum praedecessores to Louis VII of France, calling for this new crusade.
Why did Eugene III have difficulty residing in Rome?
Eugene III spent nearly his entire pontificate outside of Rome due to the political situation within the city. The citizens, influenced by Arnold of Brescia, established the Commune of Rome and opposed the pope's temporal power, forcing Eugene to leave and reside in various cities like Viterbo, Siena, and eventually France.
What was the outcome of the Second Crusade proclaimed by Eugene III?
The Second Crusade, which Eugene III called for, turned out to be an "ignominious fiasco." The crusading army suffered immense losses and abandoned their campaign after only five days of siege, failing to regain any Muslim territory. This resulted in significant humiliation for the crusaders.
Was Eugene III recognized as a saint?
Yes, Eugene III was recognized for his piety and spiritual nature. His tomb acquired fame due to a purported miracle, and his cause for sainthood commenced. Pope Pius IX beatified him in 1872.
Related Popes
Innocent III
Pope Innocent III was one of the most powerful medieval popes, exerting significant influence over European kings and centralizing papal authority. He played a crucial role in church reforms through his decretals and the Fourth Lateran Council, refining canon law. Innocent III also significantly expanded the scope of Crusades, directing campaigns against Muslim Iberia, the Holy Land, and heretical movements within Europe.
Nicholas IV
Nicholas IV, born Girolamo Masci, was the first Franciscan pope, serving as head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States from 1288 to 1292. His pontificate was marked by efforts to promote crusades and root out heresy, as well as diplomatic actions concerning the Sicilian succession and the establishment of a studium generale in Lisbon. He also issued a significant constitution regarding the financial independence of the College of Cardinals.
Alexander IV
Pope Alexander IV, born Rinaldo di Jenne, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1254 to 1261. His pontificate was marked by attempts to reunite Eastern and Western churches, the establishment of the Inquisition in France, and support for mendicant orders. He is also known for canonizing Saint Clare of Assisi and for his involvement in the complex political landscape of Sicily.