Who he was
Teobaldo Visconti of Piacenza was Archdeacon of Liège, neither a cardinal nor a priest, and was on pilgrimage in the Holy Land at Acre when he was chosen pope on 1 September 1271, after the See had stood empty for almost three years. He returned to Italy, was ordained priest in Rome and then consecrated pope in March 1272. He worked for peace between Guelphs and Ghibellines, recognised Rudolf of Habsburg as German king, and gave himself to the cause of the Holy Land. He died at Arezzo on his way back from the council.
What he is remembered for
He called and presided over the Second Council of Lyons (1274), which brought about a short-lived reunion with the Greek Church and raised a tithe for a crusade. He is honoured as Blessed, with his feast kept in Arezzo, Piacenza, Lausanne and Rome.
He is honoured by the Church as Blessed. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
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