Innocent II (1130-43) was one of the most influential and important popes of the Middle Ages. He was the head of the Catholic Church from 1130 to 1143 and was responsible for a number of important reforms and initiatives that helped to shape the Church and its relationship with the world. His papacy was marked by a number of significant events, including the Second Lateran Council, the establishment of the Papal States, and the launch of the Crusades.
Innocent II was born in Rome in 1130 and was the son of a Roman nobleman. He was educated at the Lateran Palace and was ordained a priest in 1150. He was appointed cardinal-deacon of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in 1152 and was elected pope in 1130. He was the first pope to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the College of Cardinals.
Innocent II was a strong advocate of papal authority and was determined to strengthen the Church's position in Europe. He was a firm believer in the divine right of the papacy and sought to increase its power and influence. He was also a strong supporter of the Crusades and was instrumental in launching the Second Crusade in 1147.
Innocent II was also a great reformer and was responsible for a number of important reforms. He convened the Second Lateran Council in 1139, which was the largest and most important Church council of the Middle Ages. The council was responsible for a number of important reforms, including the establishment of the Papal States, the strengthening of the Church's authority over the clergy, and the introduction of the Inquisition.
Innocent II was also a great patron of the arts and was responsible for the construction of a number of important churches and cathedrals. He was also a great supporter of education and was responsible for the establishment of the University of Bologna in 1150.
Innocent II was a great leader and was responsible for a number of important reforms and initiatives that helped to shape the Church and its relationship with the world. He was a strong advocate of papal authority and was determined to strengthen the Church's position in Europe. He was also a great reformer and was responsible for a number of important reforms, including the Second Lateran Council and the establishment of the Papal States. He was also a great patron of the arts and was responsible for the construction of a number of important churches and cathedrals. He was also a great supporter of education and was responsible for the establishment of the University of Bologna in 1150. His papacy was marked by a number of significant events, including the Second Lateran Council, the establishment of the Papal States, and the launch of the Crusades.