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Eugene III
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 Eugene III
Eugene III
 Related Terms
pope
Bernard of Clairvaux

 

Name:
Pope Eugene III (Eugenius)
Born: Bernardo Pignatelli
Preceded by: Lucius II (1144 - 1145)
Succeeded by: Anastasius IV (1153 - 1154)
Roman Catholic Pope #168

Dates:
Born: ? (Pisa)
Died: July 8, 1153
Pope: February 15, 1145 - July 8, 1153 (8 years)
Feast Day: July 8

Biography:
A Cistercian abbot, Pope Eugene III became particularly well known for the failure of the Second Crusade which he himself had originally called for In a bull sent to French King, Louis VII, and which he vigorously supported with the help of Bernard of Clairvaux.

Eugene III had political problems due to the great popularity of Arnold of Brescia. Arnold was a fierce opponent of the temporal power wielded by the popes, arguing that the position should be one of purely religious and spiritual authority. In 1148 Eugene finally excommunicated Arnold for his heretical views and entered into a pact with Frederick of Barbarossa, Western emperor, in order to rid Rome of Arnold and his followers.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

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