POPE #170
Pope Alexander III
The 170th Pope of the Catholic Church
Alexander III
Pope Alexander III ranks among the greatest statesmen and reformers of the medieval papacy. His twenty-two-year pontificate was dominated by a prolonged struggle with: Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.”
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Editorial Reading Note
This page preserves the substance of the CatholicG33k biography supplied for this pope while applying the new Every Pope A-Z URL, official Vatican sequence numbering, the approved Pope template, and consistent source labeling. Ancient and medieval details should continue to be distinguished from later tradition during the scheduled historical batch review.
Quick Facts
Overview
Pope Alexander III ranks among the greatest statesmen and reformers of the medieval papacy. His twenty-two-year pontificate was dominated by a prolonged struggle with: Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa who supported a succession of rival antipopes in an effort to control the Church.
Despite years of exile and political conflict, Alexander successfully defended the freedom of the papacy, restored unity to Western Christendom, and convened the: Third Lateran Council which enacted reforms that profoundly shaped the future governance of the Catholic Church.
His pontificate also witnessed the martyrdom and later canonization of: St. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury.
Early Life
Alexander III was born around: AD 1100-1105 as: Rolando (Roland) Bandinelli in: Siena Italy.
He became one of the finest scholars of his generation, studying: Sacred Scripture, Theology, Canon Law, Philosophy, Classical Literature.
His writings on canon law became highly influential throughout medieval Europe.
Service Before the Papacy
Rolando became: Cardinal-Priest of San Marco under: Pope Eugene III He served as: papal chancellor, diplomat, legal scholar, adviser to Popes Eugene III and Adrian IV.
He participated in negotiations with: Frederick I Barbarossa and firmly defended the independence of the Church.
His mastery of canon law earned him enormous respect throughout Christendom.
Becoming Pope
Following the death of: Pope Adrian IV the majority of the cardinals elected: Rolando Bandinelli on: September 7, AD 1159 He accepted the name: Alexander III A minority of cardinals, supported by: Frederick I Barbarossa elected: Antipope Victor IV This marked the beginning of a schism that would last nearly two decades and involve four successive imperial-backed antipopes.
The Schism
Throughout much of his pontificate, Alexander faced opposition from: Antipope Victor IV, Antipope Paschal III, Antipope Callistus III, Antipope Innocent III (the antipope, not the later legitimate Pope Innocent III).
Although frequently forced into exile, Alexander received recognition from: France, England, Spain, Sicily, most of the College of Cardinals.
Gradually, his legitimacy prevailed throughout Europe.
Conflict with Frederick Barbarossa
Frederick repeatedly attempted to dominate the Church through imperial influence.
Alexander firmly defended: papal independence, canonical elections, ecclesiastical freedom.
The conflict continued for nearly twenty years until the emperor suffered a decisive defeat at the: Battle of Legnano in: AD 1176 where the: Lombard League defeated the imperial army.
The Peace of Venice (AD 1177)
Following Legnano, Frederick met Alexander in: Venice On: July 24, AD 1177 the: Peace of Venice ended the principal phase of the conflict.
Frederick formally recognized: Alexander III as the legitimate pope.
The long papal schism effectively came to an end.
St. Thomas Becket
Perhaps the most famous event of Alexander’s pontificate involved: St. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury.
After conflicts with: King Henry II of England Becket was murdered in: Canterbury Cathedral on: December 29, AD 1170 Alexander canonized him in: AD 1173 making Becket one of the most venerated saints of medieval Europe.
The Third Lateran Council (AD 1179)
Alexander convened the: Third Lateran Council recognized as: The Eleventh Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church.
The council: condemned simony, strengthened clerical discipline, condemned the remaining antipopes, renewed ecclesiastical reform, established that a two-thirds majority of the cardinals would be required for the valid election of a pope.
This final reform remains one of the most enduring constitutional laws governing papal elections.
Canon Law
Alexander greatly advanced: Canon Law His legal decisions influenced medieval jurisprudence for centuries and were later incorporated into the: Decretals which became foundational texts of Church law.
Death
Alexander died on: August 30, AD 1181 at: Civita Castellana after one of the longest and most successful medieval pontificates.
Historical Context
Political Leaders Frederick I Barbarossa Holy Roman Emperor.
Henry II King of England.
Louis VII King of France.
Philip II Augustus King of France during Alexander’s later years.
The Church
During Alexander’s pontificate: the papal schism ended, the Third Lateran Council met, St. Thomas Becket was canonized, canon law flourished, papal independence was firmly defended.
Challenges
Imperial Schism Alexander opposed four successive imperial-backed antipopes.
Frederick Barbarossa
The emperor sought greater influence over the Church.
Church Reform
Alexander continued strengthening ecclesiastical discipline throughout Europe.
Major Contributions
- One Hundred Sixty-Seventh Pope of the Catholic Church
- Successfully defeated the imperial schism
- Convened the Third Lateran Council
- Established the two-thirds rule for papal elections
- Defended papal independence
- Canonized St. Thomas Becket
- Advanced medieval canon law
Interesting Facts
- Alexander III spent much of his pontificate opposing four successive antipopes.
- He canonized St. Thomas Becket only three years after Becket’s martyrdom.
- The Third Lateran Council established the two-thirds majority rule for papal elections, which remains the foundation of conclave voting today.
- He was one of the greatest canon lawyers ever to become pope.
- His victory over Frederick Barbarossa marked one of the greatest diplomatic triumphs in medieval papal history.
Legacy
Pope Alexander III successfully defended the Church’s independence during one of the longest and most difficult conflicts between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. Despite decades of exile and opposition from four imperial-backed antipopes, his perseverance ultimately secured recognition throughout Western Christendom and affirmed the freedom of the Church in choosing her own pastors.
His convocation of the Third Lateran Council produced reforms whose influence continues to the present day, particularly the requirement that a pope be elected by a two-thirds majority of the cardinal electors. His promotion of canon law, support for ecclesiastical reform, and canonization of St. Thomas Becket further strengthened the Church’s spiritual and legal foundations.
Alexander III stands as one of the most accomplished popes of the Middle Ages, combining scholarly brilliance, diplomatic wisdom, and unwavering courage in defense of the liberty of the Church.
Did You Know?
The rule requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a pope traces its origin to the Third Lateran Council convened by Pope Alexander III in AD 1179. The council introduced this requirement to help prevent disputed papal elections and schisms. Although later legislation refined the details of conclave procedures, Alexander’s reform remains one of the enduring constitutional principles governing papal elections today.
Why Pope Alexander III Matters
Pope Alexander III secured one of the greatest victories for the freedom of the Church in the Middle Ages. By defeating a prolonged schism, resisting imperial interference, strengthening canon law, and establishing the enduring two-thirds rule for papal elections, he profoundly shaped the governance of the Catholic Church. His steadfast defense of ecclesiastical independence and his wise leadership continue to influence the papacy centuries later.
CatholicG33k Historical Highlight
The Pope Who Defeated an Emperor and Ended a Schism
When Rolando Bandinelli became Pope Alexander III in AD 1159, his election immediately sparked a schism supported by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. For nearly twenty years Alexander endured exile, political opposition, and four successive imperial-backed antipopes. Yet through patient diplomacy, steadfast faith, and unwavering commitment to the Church’s freedom, he ultimately prevailed. The Peace of Venice restored his universal recognition, and the Third Lateran Council established reforms – especially the two-thirds voting requirement for papal elections – that continue to shape the life of the Catholic Church. Alexander III’s remarkable pontificate remains one of the greatest examples of courageous and faithful papal leadership in medieval history.
Sources and Further Study
Scripture References
- Galatians 5:1
- Matthew 16:18-19
- John 21:15-17
- Acts 5:29
- Ephesians 4:3
- Romans 12:18
- 1 Peter 5:2-4
Primary Historical Sources
- Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- Acts of the Third Lateran Council (AD 1179)
- John of Salisbury, Historia Pontificalis
- Roger of Hoveden, Chronica
- William of Newburgh, Historia Rerum Anglicarum
- Liber Pontificalis
- Papal Decretals of Alexander III
Timeline
Born as Rolando Bandinelli
Papal Chancellor
Elected Pope
Beginning of the imperial schism
Martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket
Canonizes St. Thomas Becket
Battle of Legnano
Peace of Venice
Third Lateran Council
Dies at Civita Castellana