Birthplace
Rome
Pope from
18 July 1216
Pope until
18 March 1227
Died
18 March 1227
Who he was
Cencio Savelli, a Roman, was papal chamberlain, compiled the Liber Censuum, the register of the Holy See's revenues, and was tutor to the young Frederick II. Already old, he was elected at Perugia two days after Innocent III's death in 1216, and was much loved in Rome for his kindness.
What he is remembered for
He spent his reign trying to launch the crusade decreed in 1215 and making peace among Christian rulers; he crowned Frederick II emperor in 1220 and helped secure the throne of the boy Henry III of England. He approved the Order of St Dominic in 1216, the Rule of St Francis in 1223 and the Carmelite Order in 1226, and canonised St Hugh of Lincoln and St William of York among others.
Sources
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