Antipope Paschal III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antipope Paschal III |
|
|---|---|
| Papacy began | 22 April [O.S. 15 April] 1164 |
| Papacy ended | 20 September [O.S. 13 September] 1168 |
| Predecessor | Roman claimant: Alexander III Antipapal claimant: Victor IV |
| Successor | Roman claimant: Alexander III Antipapal claimant: Callixtus III |
| Opposed to | Alexander III |
| Other posts | Cardinal of St. Maria |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Guido of Crema |
| Born | c. 1110 Crema, Lombardy |
| Died | 20 September [O.S. 13 September] 1168 Rome |
| Other Popes and Antipopes named Paschal | |
Antipope Paschal III (born Guido of Crema) was a church leader in the 1100s. He was known as an "antipope." This means he was a rival to the official Pope. From 1164 to 1168, he claimed to be the Pope, challenging Pope Alexander III. Before this, he was a high-ranking church official called a Cardinal.
Contents
Who Was Paschal III?
Guido of Crema was born around 1110. He was the nephew of another important church leader, Cardinal John of Crema. In 1159, he joined the side of Victor IV. Victor IV was also a rival to Pope Alexander III. Guido helped Victor IV gain support in places like England and France. Because of this, Pope Alexander III banned him from church activities.
Becoming an Antipope
In 1164, Victor IV died. A small group of cardinals who supported Victor IV met. They chose Guido to be the new rival pope. He took the name Paschal III. A bishop named Henry II of Leez officially made him a pope.
Paschal III tried to stop Pope Alexander III from reaching Rome. He was successful for a short time. But soon, Paschal III was forced to leave Rome. This allowed Alexander III to return in 1165.
Gaining Emperor's Support
Paschal III wanted more power and support. He looked to Frederick Barbarossa, the powerful Holy Roman Emperor. To gain the Emperor's favour, Paschal III did something special. In 1165, he declared Charlemagne a saint in a big ceremony. Charlemagne was a famous emperor from long ago.
Paschal III lost some support in Burgundy. But Emperor Frederick helped him. The Emperor also got Henry II of England to cooperate.
Challenges and End of Reign
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was worried. He heard that Pope Alexander III might team up with the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I. So, in 1166, Frederick started another military campaign in Italy. He wanted to help Paschal III and have his wife, Beatrice, crowned empress.
In 1167, Frederick's army won a big battle near Rome. This victory encouraged him. He quickly went to Rome. With the Emperor's army, Paschal III was able to enter St Peter's Church. He was officially placed on the papal throne on July 22, 1167. Pope Alexander III had to flee and hide.
A few days later, Paschal III crowned Frederick as Emperor again. He also crowned Frederick's wife, Beatrice, as empress. However, bad luck struck Frederick's army. A terrible sickness, like malaria or the plague, spread quickly. It forced the Emperor to return to Germany.
Without the Emperor's strong support, Paschal III lost most of his power. He could only control a small part of Rome. He died there on September 20, 1168, from cancer. After his death, another rival pope, Antipope Callixtus III, took his place.
What Happened After?
The official Catholic Church never accepted Paschal III's actions. This included his declaration of Charlemagne as a saint. In 1179, a major church meeting called the Third Council of the Lateran happened. This council cancelled all of Paschal III's decisions.
Even though his sainthood was cancelled, Charlemagne was still highly respected by Catholics. He is now considered a "Blessed" of the Church. The crowning of Empress Beatrice was also cancelled. She was no longer called empress.
See also
In Spanish: Pascual III (antipapa) para niños
- Papal selection before 1059
- Papal conclave (since 1274)
