Born
c. 1100
Birthplace
Benevento
Pope from
21 October 1187
Pope until
17 December 1187
Died
17 December 1187
Who he was
Alberto di Morra, of a noble family of Benevento, became a monk while young and was made a cardinal by Adrian IV. As chancellor under Alexander III he was one of the legates sent to England after the murder of St Thomas Becket. Loved for his gentleness, he was elected at Ferrara in October 1187, as news came of Saladin's victories in the Holy Land.
What he is remembered for
In a reign of under two months he called Christians to prayer and fasting for a new crusade, sought reconciliation with Barbarossa, and went to Pisa to make peace between Pisa and Genoa so that crusaders could be carried east. He died there and was buried in Pisa cathedral.
Sources
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