Cardinal Gregory is elected anti-pope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II.

On March 13, 1138, a significant event took place in the history of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Gregory was elected as the anti-pope, taking on the name Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II. This event sparked controversy and turmoil within the Church, leading to a schism that lasted for several years. Let’s delve into the details of this historical moment and its repercussions.

The conflict that led to the election of Cardinal Gregory as the anti-pope began with the death of Pope Honorius II in 1130. Honorius II had been elected as the legitimate Pope by the majority of the cardinals, but a faction led by Cardinal Pietro Pierleoni disputed his election. This disagreement resulted in the election of Anacletus II as a rival Pope, creating a division within the Church.

For almost eight years, the Catholic Church found itself divided between Pope Innocent II, the successor of Honorius II, and Anacletus II. The schism caused significant tension and uncertainty among the faithful. Finally, on March 13, 1138, Cardinal Gregory, who was a prominent figure within the Church, was elected as the anti-pope, taking on the title Victor IV.

The election of Victor IV as the anti-pope intensified the conflict between the two factions. The Church was now divided into two camps, with each Pope claiming to be the true successor of St. Peter. This division had deep repercussions not only for the Church’s spiritual unity but also for the political landscape of the time.

The schism resulting from the election of Victor IV as the anti-pope led to conflicts between different regions and rulers. Some kingdoms supported Innocent II, while others rallied behind the cause of Anacletus II and later Victor IV. This political dimension further complicated the situation and prolonged the schism for several years.

In 1139, the division within the Church reached its peak with the convening of the Second Lateran Council. The Council aimed to resolve the schism and reunite the Catholic Church under a single Pope. After intense negotiations and discussions, the Council declared Innocent II as the legitimate Pope, denouncing Anacletus II and Victor IV.

The proclamation of Innocent II as the true Pope had a significant impact on the resolution of the schism. Many rulers and kingdoms who had initially supported Anacletus II or Victor IV shifted their allegiance to Innocent II. This shift gradually weakened the position of the anti-pope and contributed to the healing of the division within the Church.

The schism caused by the election of Cardinal Gregory as the anti-pope Victor IV eventually came to an end in 1153 when Victor IV passed away. Although the Church endured years of discord and disagreement, this period also witnessed significant developments in papal authority and the governance of the Catholic Church.

The event of Cardinal Gregory being elected as the anti-pope Victor IV on March 13, 1138, and succeeding Anacletus II had profound implications for the Catholic Church’s history. The schism resulting from this event tested the Church’s unity and led to political and religious unrest. Yet, ultimately, the resolution of the schism strengthened the papal authority and paved the way for future developments within the Church.

In sum, the election of Cardinal Gregory as the anti-pope Victor IV on March 13, 1138, marked a significant turning point in the history of the Catholic Church. This event led to a schism that divided the Church for several years, but it also spurred efforts to reunite and strengthen the Church’s authority. The consequences of this event were far-reaching and shaped the Church’s future path.