Pandulf Verraccio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pandulf Verraccio |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Norwich | |
"King John Absolved by Pandulph" 1797 line engraving by William Blake after Henry Fuseli
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| Appointed | 1215 |
| Reign ended | 16 September 1226 |
| Predecessor | John de Gray |
| Successor | Thomas Blunville |
| Other posts | sometime papal legate |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 29 May 1222 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1155 Rome, Papal States |
| Died | 16 September 1226 Rome, Papal States |
| Buried | Norwich, England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Pandulf Verraccio (died 16 September 1226) was an important church leader from Rome. He served as a special representative of the Pope, called a papal legate, in England. He also became the bishop of Norwich. His first name can also be spelled Pandolph or Pandulph.
Contents
Pandulf's Early Life and Role
Pandulf was born in Rome. He first came to England in 1211. He was sent by Pope Innocent III to talk with King John.
Meeting King John
King John had disagreements with the Pope. Pandulf was sent to try and solve these problems. When King John did not agree to the Pope's demands, Pandulf announced that the Pope had excommunicated the king. This meant King John was cut off from the Church.
King John's Submission
In May 1213, Pandulf visited England again. This time, King John agreed to the Pope's terms. The king formally gave England to the Pope. He then received it back as a fief, which meant he ruled it as a land held from the Pope. This important event happened at a church in Dover.
Helping King John and Magna Carta
After King John submitted, Pandulf worked to prevent France from invading England. For a short time, another papal representative took over. But Pandulf returned in 1215.
Present at Runnymede
Pandulf was present at the meeting in Runnymede. This is where the Magna Carta was signed. The Magna Carta was a very important document. It limited the power of the king. Pandulf helped King John during these difficult times. Because of his help, King John made him the Bishop of Norwich in 1215. However, Pandulf was not officially made a bishop for several years.
Pandulf's Influence in England
In 1216, another papal representative, Cardinal Gualo, arrived. This meant Pandulf had a less important role for a while. But after Gualo left in 1218, Pandulf became the papal legate again.
Working with King Henry III
As the Pope's representative, Pandulf had a lot of power. He influenced the government of the young King Henry III. He was involved in many parts of how England was run. His strong influence was accepted because the government still needed the Pope's support.
Recall from England
However, in 1221, important English leaders asked the Pope to recall Pandulf. They wanted no more high-ranking papal representatives sent to England. Pandulf's time as a legate ended in the summer of 1221. He was finally consecrated as Bishop of Norwich on May 29, 1222.
Pandulf kept his position as Bishop of Norwich. But he no longer played a big role in English politics. He died in Rome on September 16, 1226. His body was brought back to Norwich for burial.
Pandulf in Literature
Because of his important role in King John's reign, Pandulf became a character in plays. He appears in Shakespeare's play King John. He is also in King John and Matilda by Robert Davenport.
