Alexander III Biography

Appointed Pope, accepted by England & France but not by Germany

Forced into exile to Sens in France by Frederick I

Issues a Plenary Indulgence forgiving the sins of all those who fight the Muslims

Issues a Plenary Indulgence forgiving the sins of all those who fight the Muslims

Pope Alexander III appoints Thomas Beckett Papal legate against the will of Henry II

Forces Henry II to end his quarrel with Thomas a Beckett

Canonizes Thomas Becket

Absolves Henry II of any complicity in the murder of Thomas Becket

Frederick I is defeated by the Lombard League & forced to recognize Alexander as Pope

Emperor Frederick falls on his knees before Pope Alexander III & obtains absolution

Decides Popes must be elected by 2/3 of the College of Cardinals

It is decided that the Pope will be elected by a 2/3 majority of the Cardinals

Prohibits Walensians preaching without permission from the bishops, Waldo refuses

The Lateran Council decides Popes must be elected by 2/3 of the College of Cardinals

If any candidate should declare himself pope without receiving the required majority, he and his supporters were to be excommunicated

In order to prevent the possibility of future schisms, only cardinals were to possess the right to elect a pope. In addition a two-thirds majority was to be required in order for the election to be valid.

Removes the remains of the recent schism, the Council condemned the Cathar heresies and pushed for the restoration of ecclesiastical discipline. It also became the first general Council of the Church to legislate against sodomy.

Death of Alexander III