Pope alexander ii biography definition

Pope Alexander II followed Pope Nicholas II and was the 156th man to assume the role.

Pope alexander ii biography definition us history

He was only the second pope in history to choose the name Alexander, which became popular later. This article will cover the life of Pope Alexander II and some of the work that he did.

Early Life

Given the name Anselmo at birth, the man who would become Pope Alexander II lived in a small district just outside of Milan with his noble family.

He attended school and helped found the Pataria movement, which called for new changes in the Church such as prohibiting clerks from marrying. Also known as Anselm, he would later work for the Imperial Court.

Papal Election

Nicholas II left behind a bull or decree that took away some of the control that the Roman Catholic Church previously held.

Pope alexander ii biography definition

This decree allowed cardinal bishops to nominate the next pope and decide on the man who would assume the position.

They chose Anselm who decided to use the name Alexander II during his reign. There was some co