Anaklet II Antipope Date of Birth: 01.01.1090 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Education
2. Cardinal and Diplomatic Missions
3. Election to the Papacy
4. Consecration and Conflict
5. Support for Rival Popes
6. Imperial Intervention
7. Decline and Death

Early Life and Education

Pietro Leonis, the father of the future antipope, intended for his elder son, Leo, to become Prefect of Rome. However, for his younger son, Pietro, he chose the path of priesthood. The aspiring pontiff studied in Paris and became a monk at Cluny.

Cardinal and Diplomatic Missions

Pope Paschal II summoned Pietro to Rome and elevated him to the rank of Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Cosma e Damiano. He accompanied Pope Gelasius II into exile and carried out important missions for him in France and England.

Election to the Papacy

Upon the death of Pope Honorius II, Pietro allegedly attempted to bribe his way onto the papal throne. He gained the support of 30 cardinals and the Roman nobility, except for the Corsi and Frangipani families. Sixteen other cardinals, fearing a schism, moved the dying Honorius to the Church of San Gregorio, near the Frangipani stronghold. They hastily buried the deceased pontiff and, under threat of excommunication, forced Gregorio Papareschi (Innocent II) to assume the papal mantle.

Consecration and Conflict

On February 23, 1130, both candidates received papal consecration, Anacletus in St. Peter's Basilica and Innocent II in Santa Maria Nuova. Anacletus had the advantage, with the support of the majority of cardinals and the nobility, including the Frangipani. The populace also rallied around him as he generously distributed the wealth accumulated by the church. Innocent was forced into exile and sought aid from European Christian rulers.

Support for Rival Popes

Almost all European rulers recognized Innocent as the legitimate pope. However, Anacletus gained the support of the Poles, Burgundians, and Roger of Sicily, to whom he granted the title of king. The antipope's legate anointed Roger in Palermo on Christmas Day 1130.

Imperial Intervention

In 1133, Lothair arrived in Rome with a 2,000-strong army. Entrenched in Castel Sant'Angelo, Anacletus prevented Lothair from entering St. Peter's Basilica. Instead, Innocent crowned Lothair emperor in the Lateran Palace.

Decline and Death

In 1137, after suppressing the Hohenstaufen rebellion in Germany, Lothair again marched into Italy, but his primary target was Sicily. He sent the renowned preacher Bernard of Clairvaux to Rome. Meanwhile, Anacletus had died, and Victor IV was elected as his successor.