POPE #167
Pope Blessed Eugene III
The 167th Pope of the Catholic Church
Blessed Eugene III
Blessed Eugene III was the first pope drawn from the Cistercian Order
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it… becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock.”
Explore This Pope
Quick Facts
Overview
Blessed Eugene III was the first pope drawn from the Cistercian Order and the first disciple of St. Bernard of Clairvaux to become pope.
Despite his gentle and deeply monastic spirit, Eugene found himself leading the Church during a time of political unrest, the continued challenge of the Roman Commune, and the fall of the Crusader city of Edessa, which prompted him to proclaim the Second Crusade Throughout his pontificate he balanced pastoral charity with firm leadership, relying greatly on the wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, whose famous work: De Consideratione was written as spiritual advice for Pope Eugene himself.
Early Life
Eugene III was born around AD 1080 as Bernardo (Bernard) of Pisa near Pisa Italy.
Little is known of Eugene’s early years. His later Cistercian formation under the influence of St. Bernard of Clairvaux is better documented than a detailed early curriculum.
He entered the Cistercian Order at the Abbey of Clairvaux under the direction of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Bernard quickly recognized his humility, holiness, and leadership.
Abbot Before the Papacy
Bernardo later became Abbot of the Monastery of Tre Fontane near Rome.
He gained a reputation for simplicity, holiness, wisdom, devotion to prayer, faithful observance of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Although little known outside monastic circles, his virtue made a deep impression upon the cardinals.
Becoming Pope
Following the death of Pope Lucius II the cardinals elected Bernardo of Pisa on February 15, AD 1145. He accepted the name Eugene III. His election surprised much of Europe because he was neither a bishop nor a cardinal.
With papal approval, he was ordained Bishop of Rome after his election.
The Roman Commune
Like his predecessor, Eugene struggled with the Roman Commune whose leaders sought to reduce papal temporal authority.
Because of repeated unrest, Eugene spent much of his pontificate outside: Rome governing the Church while traveling through central Italy, France, northern Italy.
Despite exile, he maintained effective leadership of the universal Church.
The Second Crusade
In AD 1144 the Crusader County of Edessa fell to Muslim forces under Zengi In response, Eugene issued the papal bull: Quantum Praedecessores on December 1, AD 1145 officially proclaiming the Second Crusade. He entrusted its preaching to: St. Bernard of Clairvaux who inspired thousands to take the cross.
Among those who joined were: King Louis VII of France, Emperor Conrad III.
Although the crusade ultimately failed militarily, Eugene’s purpose was to assist the Christians of the Holy Land and recover territories that had recently been lost.
St. Bernard’s De Consideratione
Perhaps Eugene’s greatest spiritual gift came from St. Bernard of Clairvaux who wrote De Consideratione (“On Consideration”) specifically for Pope Eugene III.
In this classic work, Bernard reminded the pope that prayer must come before administration, holiness must precede activity, a pope remains first a servant of Christ.
The book remains one of the greatest works ever written on the spiritual responsibilities of the papacy.
The Synod of Reims (AD 1148)
Eugene presided over the Synod of Reims where he: strengthened Church discipline, condemned simony, addressed theological controversies, promoted ecclesiastical reform.
The synod reinforced the principles of the Gregorian Reform throughout Western Europe.
Relations with Frederick Barbarossa
Near the end of Eugene’s pontificate, Frederick I Barbarossa was elected King of Germany in AD 1152 Eugene began building a cooperative relationship with the future emperor, laying the groundwork for later negotiations between the papacy and the empire.
Death
Eugene died on July 8, AD 1153 at Tivoli while preparing to return permanently to Rome.
He was buried in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Beatification
Eugene’s reputation for holiness endured for centuries.
He was declared Blessed by Pope Pius IX in AD 1872. His feast day is celebrated on July 8
Historical Context
Political Leaders Conrad III King of Germany and participant in the Second Crusade.
Louis VII King of France and participant in the Second Crusade.
Frederick I Barbarossa Elected King of Germany during Eugene’s final year.
Roger II King of Sicily until AD 1154.
The Church
During Eugene’s pontificate, the Second Crusade was proclaimed, the Roman Commune remained active, Cistercian influence expanded, St. Bernard wrote De Consideratione, Gregorian reforms continued throughout Europe.
Challenges
The Roman Commune Eugene spent much of his pontificate outside Rome because of political unrest.
The Second Crusade
Despite great hopes, the expedition failed to recover its principal objectives.
Church Reform
Eugene continued strengthening ecclesiastical discipline across Europe.
Key Acts and Historical Significance
- 167th Pope of the Catholic Church
- Blessed
- First Cistercian pope
- Proclaimed the Second Crusade
- Continued the Gregorian Reform
- Convened the Synod of Reims
- Inspired St. Bernard’s De Consideratione
- Strengthened Church discipline
Interesting Facts
- Eugene III was the first Cistercian monk ever elected pope.
- He was a direct disciple of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
- St. Bernard wrote De Consideratione specifically for Eugene.
- Eugene proclaimed the Second Crusade through the bull Quantum Praedecessores.
- Although he was pope for more than eight years, he spent much of that time away from Rome because of the Roman Commune.
Legacy
Blessed Eugene III united profound monastic spirituality with faithful papal leadership during a difficult period in the Church’s history. Though often forced from Rome by political unrest, he never lost sight of his pastoral mission. His encouragement of the Cistercian Order, continued implementation of the Gregorian Reform, and careful governance strengthened the Church throughout Europe.
His proclamation of the Second Crusade reflected the medieval Church’s desire to aid Eastern Christians and defend the Holy Land after the fall of Edessa. While the military campaign ultimately failed, Eugene’s intentions were pastoral and ecclesial, seeking to protect fellow Christians and preserve access to the sacred places of Christ’s life.
Perhaps Eugene’s most enduring legacy is his close friendship with St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard’s De Consideratione, written for Eugene, remains one of the finest spiritual guides ever composed for those entrusted with leadership in the Church, emphasizing that every pope must first be a disciple of Christ before serving as His Vicar.
Did You Know?
One of the greatest spiritual classics ever written for a pope was composed specifically for Blessed Eugene III. In De Consideratione, St. Bernard of Clairvaux gently warned his former disciple not to become so overwhelmed by administration that he neglected prayer and contemplation. The work continues to be read by popes, bishops, priests, and seminarians nearly nine centuries later.
Why Blessed Eugene III Matters
Blessed Eugene III demonstrated that deep contemplative prayer and courageous leadership are not opposed but belong together. As the first Cistercian pope, he brought the spirituality of the monastery to the Chair of St. Peter, relying on the wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux while guiding the Church through political unrest, ecclesiastical reform, and the challenges of the Second Crusade. His life reminds Catholics that authentic leadership always flows from a profound friendship with Christ.
CatholicG33k Historical Highlight
The Monk Who Became Pope
When the humble Cistercian monk Bernardo of Pisa was unexpectedly elected Pope Eugene III in AD 1145, many doubted whether a contemplative monk could govern the universal Church. Yet his former abbot, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, became his greatest supporter, encouraging him through letters and the timeless masterpiece De Consideratione. Though Eugene spent much of his pontificate in exile from Rome, he faithfully shepherded the Church, proclaimed the Second Crusade, strengthened ecclesiastical reform, and showed that the deepest source of papal leadership is not political power, but holiness rooted in prayer.
Sources and Further Study
Scripture References
- 1 Peter 5:2-4
- Matthew 16:18-19
- John 21:15-17
- Luke 10:38-42
- Colossians 3:12-17
- Hebrews 13:7
- James 3:17
Primary Historical Sources
- Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- Quantum Praedecessores (AD 1145)
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux, De Consideratione
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Letters
- Otto of Freising, The Deeds of Frederick Barbarossa
- John of Salisbury, Historia Pontificalis
- Liber Pontificalis
Timeline
Born as Bernardo of Pisa
Abbot of Tre Fontane
Elected Pope
Issues Quantum Praedecessores
Second Crusade
Synod of Reims
Frederick Barbarossa elected King of Germany
Dies at Tivoli