The History of the Church through 100 Masterpieces

Popes and Antipopes

The History of the Church 90 Popes and Antipopes Because of longstanding imprecision in the procedures regulating the election of the sovereign pontiff, a considerable number of disputes arose over the course of time, which led to no fewer than 39 antipopes in the history of the church. At times, determining the legitimate successor of Saint Peter was a difficul enterprise, with each pretender having solid arguments in his favor and sincere partisans supporting his cause. This was the case after the death of Pope Honorius II in 1130. The electing cardinals were divided, forming two separate colleges—the largest group elected Anacletus II, while the others bestowed the pontifical tiara on Innocent II. As the greater numbers and temporal strength were in favor of Anacletus, his opponent fled from Rome to France—a good choice of destination. There, King Louis the Fat convened a council in Etampes to settle the conflict. Thanks to the influence of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Innocent was declared the legitimate pope in 1131 and from then enjoyed the support of the sovereigns of France, Germany, and England. However, Anacletus remained firmly in Rome with the aid of the Normans of Sicily. Confusion reigned for another eight years until his death definitively legitimized the position of Innocent II. Some paintings witness to this episode in church history, but without indicating the exact status of Anacletus. Palma il Giovane (alias, Jacopo Negretti) (1544–1628) Anacletus II Founds the Fraternity of the Crociferi (Bearers of the Cross) Oratory of the Crociferi (Bearers of the Cross), Venice ...