Anselm of Lucca
Anselm of Lucca was a medieval bishop and a key figure in the Investiture Controversy. He is remembered for his staunch defense of papal authority against imperial claims and for his significant work in canon law, which supported Gregorian reforms.
- Feast Day
- March 18
- Century
- 11th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Born Anselm of Baggio, he was the nephew of Pope Alexander II.
- ›He was appointed Bishop of Lucca and initially refused investiture from Emperor Henry IV.
- ›He later accepted investiture, felt remorse, resigned, and entered the Benedictine Order.
- ›Gregory VII ordered him back to Lucca, where he continued his monastic life while serving as bishop.
- ›He attempted to impose the Rule of Saint Augustine upon the canons of Lucca Cathedral.
- ›He spent his last years compiling a collection of ecclesiastical law canons in 13 books.
Anselm of Baggio, Anselmo da Baggio, Anselm the Younger, Anselm II
Mantua
Army In Confusion
About Anselm of Lucca
Anselm of Lucca (1036 – 18 March 1086), born Anselm of Baggio, was a significant medieval bishop of Lucca and a key participant in the Investiture Controversy. His uncle, Anselm of Lucca the Elder, became Pope Alexander II and designated him to succeed him as bishop, a position that placed Anselm at the heart of the conflict between papal and imperial authority in central Italy.
Life and Historical Context
Educated in Mantua, Anselm's early career was shaped by his uncle's papacy. Though initially advised to accept investiture from Emperor Henry IV, Anselm famously refused, returning without the insignia of spiritual power. Pope Gregory VII later reappointed him bishop of Lucca, again advising against accepting investiture from Henry IV. For reasons not fully detailed, Anselm accepted it on this occasion, but soon experienced remorse and resigned his bishopric to enter the Benedictine Order.
Gregory VII later ordered him to return to Lucca, where he continued to live a monastic life. During this period, he engaged with Countess Matilda of Tuscany, transferring castles in anticipation of imperial campaigns and attempting to impose the Rule of Saint Augustine on the canons of Lucca Cathedral. He was expelled from Lucca around 1080, with the assistance of Emperor Henry and Antipope Clement III, following the defeat of Matilda's forces.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Anselm of Lucca was a learned defender of papal prerogatives. He wrote important works attacking the practice of lay investiture and supporting Pope Gregory VII against his rivals. His most enduring contribution was the compilation of a collection of ecclesiastical law canons in thirteen books. This work, the Collectio canonum, was the earliest collection of canons to support the Gregorian reforms and was later incorporated into the renowned Decretum of Gratian, laying foundational principles for Roman law in the Middle Ages.
Veneration
Anselm died in Mantua in 1086 and was canonized by Pope Victor III in 1087. He is venerated as the patron saint of Mantua. His life and work were documented in two biographies written shortly after his death: Vita Anselmi episcopi Lucensis by Pseudo-Bardone and Vita metrica of S. Anselmi lucensis episcopi by Bishop Rangerius of Lucca.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anselm of Lucca?
Anselm of Lucca, born Anselm of Baggio, was a medieval bishop of Lucca, Italy, and a significant figure in the Investiture Controversy. He was also known as Anselm the Younger due to his uncle, who became Pope Alexander II.
What was Anselm of Lucca's role in the Investiture Controversy?
Anselm of Lucca was a prominent figure in the Investiture Controversy, actively defending papal authority against Emperor Henry IV. He wrote important works attacking lay investiture and defending Pope Gregory VII.
What is Anselm of Lucca remembered for in canon law?
Anselm of Lucca is chiefly remembered for assembling a 13-book collection of ecclesiastical law canons, the Collectio canonum. This work was the earliest collection supporting Gregorian reforms and later influenced Gratian's Decretum.
What was Anselm of Lucca's relationship with Countess Matilda of Tuscany?
Anselm of Lucca had a significant relationship with Countess Matilda of Tuscany. He accepted the transfer of several castles from her in preparation for imperial campaigns and later served as her spiritual guide.
When and where did Anselm of Lucca die?
Anselm of Lucca died in Mantua, Italy, on March 18, 1086. He is regarded as the patron saint of that city.
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