Bl. Eugene III

Who he was

Bernard of Pisa, a canon of Pisa cathedral, became a Cistercian under St Bernard of Clairvaux and was abbot of Tre Fontane in Rome when the cardinals unexpectedly chose him in 1145, on the day Lucius II died.

What he is remembered for

A revolt in Rome kept him in exile for much of his reign. He called the Second Crusade, which St Bernard preached, and St Bernard wrote his book of advice for popes, On Consideration, for him. He held reforming synods in France, including Reims in 1148, and wore his monk's habit under his papal robes. He died at Tivoli; in 1872 Pius IX approved the honour long paid to him at Pisa, and he is venerated as Blessed.

He is honoured by the Church as Blessed. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope Blessed Eugene III