Pope Callixtus II facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pope Callixtus II
Bishop of Rome
Callixtus II as depicted in the Liber ad honorem Augusti by Peter of Eboli, 1196
Church	Catholic Church
Papacy began	1 February 1119
Papacy ended	13 December 1124
Predecessor	Gelasius II
Successor	Honorius II
Personal details
Birth name	Guy
Born	c. 1065 Quingey, County of Burgundy, Holy Roman Empire
Died	13 December 1124 (aged c. 59) Rome, Papal States, Holy Roman Empire
Previous post	Archbishop of Vienne (1088–1119)
Other Popes named Callixtus

Pope Callixtus II (born Guy of Burgundy) was the leader of the Catholic Church from 1119 until his death in 1124. He was also the ruler of the Papal States, which were lands controlled by the Pope.

His time as Pope was very important because he helped end a big conflict called the Investiture Controversy. This was a long disagreement about who had the right to choose bishops: the Pope or the Holy Roman Emperor. Callixtus II settled this dispute with an agreement known as the Concordat of Worms in 1122.

He also issued an important rule called Sicut Judaeis. This rule protected Jewish people from being forced to convert to Christianity or being harmed.

Early Life and Family

Guy was born around 1065. He was the fourth son of Count William I of Burgundy, who was one of the richest rulers in Europe. This meant Guy came from a very powerful and well-connected noble family.

His family had ties to many important people. For example, his brother Raymond married Urraca, the queen of León. Their son later became King Alfonso VII of León. Another brother, Hugh, became the Archbishop of Besançon.

Becoming Archbishop of Vienne

Guy first became known when he was made the archbishop of Vienne in 1088. He had strong beliefs about the Investiture Controversy. This was a major argument about whether kings and emperors could appoint church officials like bishops. Popes believed only they had this right.

As archbishop, Guy was chosen by Pope Paschal II to represent him in France. At this time, the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V, had forced Pope Paschal II to give up some papal powers.

Guy strongly disagreed with this. He gathered bishops in Vienne and declared that Henry V's actions were wrong. They even said that Henry V should be removed from the church. These strong statements were sent to Pope Paschal II, who agreed with them.

Becoming Pope

After Pope Paschal II died, his successor, Pope Gelasius II, also faced problems with Henry V. Gelasius II had to flee from Rome and later died in France.

Guy was then elected as the new Pope on February 2, 1119, at Cluny Abbey in France. He was crowned as Callixtus II a week later.

At first, Callixtus II tried to make peace with Henry V. They planned to meet, but Henry V arrived with a large army. Fearing he would be forced into unfair agreements, Callixtus II did not meet him.

Instead, Callixtus II held a big meeting of church leaders in Rheims. Many important people, including the King of France, attended. Since Henry V would not compromise, the council decided to remove him and his chosen "antipope" from the church.

Callixtus II then returned to Italy. He quickly gained support and managed to capture the antipope, who had been supported by the emperor. This helped Callixtus II gain control in Rome.

Protecting Jewish People

In 1120, Pope Callixtus II issued an important rule called Sicut Judaeis. This Latin phrase means "As the Jews." It was created to protect Jewish people, especially after many were killed during the First Crusade.

This rule stated that Christians were forbidden from forcing Jews to convert. It also protected them from harm, from having their property taken, and from being disturbed during their religious festivals. It even protected their cemeteries. Breaking this rule could lead to being removed from the church. Many popes after Callixtus II also confirmed this important protection for Jewish communities.

The Concordat of Worms

After gaining power in Italy, Pope Callixtus II wanted to finally solve the Investiture Controversy with Henry V. Henry V also wanted to end the dispute, as it had weakened his power in Germany.

Callixtus II sent three cardinals to Germany to start talks. In October 1121, they agreed on a general truce. They also decided that the Church should have free use of its property.

Finally, on September 23, 1122, a major agreement called the Concordat of Worms was signed. This agreement was a compromise:

• The Emperor gave up his claim to appoint bishops using the ring and staff, which were symbols of spiritual power.
• Bishops could now be freely elected by the Church.
• However, the Emperor or his representatives could be present during these elections.
• In Germany, the Emperor would still give bishops their worldly possessions (lands and property) before they were consecrated.
• In other areas, like Burgundy and Italy, this would happen after the consecration.
• In the Pope's own lands, only the Pope had the right to appoint bishops.

This agreement helped define the separate roles of the Church and the Emperor.

First Lateran Council

To make sure the Concordat of Worms was officially accepted, Callixtus II called a big meeting called the First Lateran Council on March 18, 1123. This council officially approved the Concordat.

The council also passed several rules to improve the behavior of the clergy. For example, they made rules against simony (buying or selling church positions) and against priests marrying. They also made rules against people who broke the Truce of God, which was an effort to limit fighting.

Later Life and Legacy

In his final years, Callixtus II worked to strengthen the Pope's control over lands around Rome. He also helped settle disputes between different church regions.

Pope Callixtus II died on December 13, 1124. A few years after his death, a famous book called the Codex Calixtinus was written. This book was a guide for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a popular pilgrimage site. The book included a letter that was said to be from Pope Callixtus II.

See also

In Spanish: Calixto II para niños