Alexander II

Who he was

Anselm, of a noble Milanese family, was a leader of the reform party in Milan and a founder of the Pataria, the movement against simony and married clergy. Made Bishop of Lucca in 1057, he went to Milan as papal legate with Hildebrand and with St Peter Damian. The cardinals elected him in 1061 under the new election decree, and he was enthroned on 30 September.

What he is remembered for

The German court backed a rival, Cadalus of Parma, as Honorius II, but Alexander was recognised as the lawful pope at the Council of Mantua in 1064. With Hildebrand as his chancellor he pressed reform across Europe through his legates, disciplining simoniacal bishops. He blessed the banners under which Roger went to Sicily and William to England, and raised his old teacher Lanfranc of Bec to Canterbury.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope Alexander II