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Name:
Callistus II
Born: Guido of Vienne
Preceded by: Gelasius II (1118 - 1119)
Succeeded by: Honorius II (1124 - 1130)
Roman Catholic Pope #163
Dates:
Born: ?
Died: December 13, 1124
Pope: February 1, 1119 - December 13, 1124 (5 years)
Biography:
Callistus II is best known for having finally settled the Investiture Controversy with
Henry V. The two reached a mutal agreement with the Concordat of Worms. It probably
helped that Callistus had powerful royal connections across Europe - by blood or
marriage he was related to Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, Henry I of England, Louis VI of
France, and Alfonso VII of Castile.
In March 1123 Callistus called the ninth ecumenical council, known as the the First Lateran Council. Here the bishops not only confirmed the Concordat of Worms, but also passed a number of new reforms. Among the most important was a new standards regarding the marriage of priests. Previously, the marriage of a priest was regarded as valid, even if it was also sinful. Now, however, such marriages were declared null and void. The women who were involved in these relationships were left to their own devices and given no consideration.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: Callixtus II
Common Misspellings: none
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