Research Paper on Pope Innocent III: Greatest Medieval Pope & Reformer

Introduction

Pope Innocent III was considered and recognized as one of the most influential and powerful in the category of medieval popes. He was prominent in the Christian states, claimed supremacy over all Kings in Europe. Furthermore, he was on the forefront in offering support to the Catholic Church in reforming ecclesiastical affairs through the Fourth Lateran Council and his decretals . The result was refining western canon law; also, Pope Innocent III was remembered primarily when he used interdict and various censures to force the princess to adhere to his verdicts, even though, some of this measures did not succeed uniformly. Therefore, this paper will provide research findings of Pope Innocent III.

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Early Life and Family

Pope Innocent III was born in Anagni Gavignano, his father was known as Count Trasimund of Segni who was part and a member of a famous house, the house produced a total of nine popes with the inclusion of Innocent III, Gregory IX, and Alexander IV. Pope Clement III was an uncle to Pope Innocent III, and Claricia Scotti was his mother who came from a similar Roman noble family.

Pope Innocent III went to school during his early days, schooled in Rome, in particular, St Andrea al Celio at the Benedictine Abbey which was under Peter Ismael. Correspondingly, he pursued a course known as theology under theologians in Paris. Theologians included Peter of Corbeil, Melior of Pisa and Peter of Poitiers Following the death of Alexander III. Pope Innocent III went back to Rome to hold different ecclesiastical offices under the reign of Gregory VIII, Clement III, Urban III, and Lusius III. Pope Innocent III was able to assume the role of the deacon in the year 1190.

Pope Innocent III came from a wealthy family, he never struggled so much to meet his daily needs. His family was always there for him and offered support to him particularly his academic journey. Early days of his life were crucial because they shaped his personality and character and his career was to prepare him to be a religious leader of a church.

During his early ages, Pope Innocent III experienced a struggle between the state and the church, just like the nobles of that time, he preferred Paris which was commonly referred to as Intellectual Europe Capital. Pope Innocent III might have been among the first Pope to pursue his education career in Paris. Moreover, Paris schools were characterized by a good reputation especially in the field of theology and philosophy. These attracted the attention of the majority of young men who came from different parts of Europe.

Pope Innocent III was intellectually bright because he was the leading scholar in the church during that time. He studied the law of canon and later on was called the great lawyer. Pope Innocent III attributed his excellent knowledge in matters to do with jurisprudence to the University of Bologna. Field of jurisprudence was not the primary interest to him, but part of the founding careers in education.

Religion, Religious Practices, and His Tenure as a Pope

During his studies in Bologna, Pope Gregory VIII ordained Pope Innocent III as a subdeacon, Gregory VIII was initially elected as the Pope in 1187, and his papacy never lasted for a long time because it was in the same year that Paul Scolari became a Pope through election and preferred name Clement III.

Pope Innocent III was one of the Popes elected at a young age, according to him; the Pope was referred to as a Vicar of Christ, King, and Prince, Melchisedec. Additionally, he was the head of the church and possessed authority on matters about ecclesiastical disciple and faith. Pope Innocent III exercised his power through sovereign excommunication and releasing citizens' fidelity to the state or even imposing sanction to the state or somebody.

Pope Innocent III held a belief that the Pope was supposed to exercise authority in temporal and spiritual affairs. His education background enabled him to invent policies successfully and implement them. He was of the idea that there is a need to uphold papacy rights. He associated the bishop's jurisdictional powers to the fullness and derivation of his power.

Conflict in Europe

Pope Innocent III presided over a Christendom that was united; this was possible especially when the emperors changed the mission of Europe domination. Pope comprehended that it was necessary to reestablish peace in German and Italy and this was considered the motivation for the Pope to hold crusades. He was on the forefront to advice nations on the need for unity among each other and togetherness.

Pope Innocent III was involved in active politics because Roman Emperor Fredrick II was very young to discharge duties as a king. The Pope was a legate who proved to be an excellent leader especially when Europe was at its political melting pot. Pope Innocent III portrayed his ability to wrest church provinces from ambitious vassals and magistracy, as a result, of his strong character. He embraced unity at all times by proving to be persuasive internationally and locally through his transformational police that aimed at bringing change.

Reforming Civil Service in Rome

Pope Innocent III was a reformer, and this was proven in various ways. Correspondingly, Pope held a firm belief that it was well to be surrounded by few servants who are reasonable compared to being surrounded by many bad servants. Pope Innocent III was on the forefront in condemning corruption that was even common among the clergy. Many bishops during that time favored their families by offering employment opportunities to the family members but Pope, on the other hand, preferred aides from monastic orders.

Pope Innocent III brought reforms to entire civil operation and administration of Rome. There was implementation on the practices of Leo the great by assuming the position of a father to Romans. There was a removal of representative for the Romans who was replaced with a commander charged with the responsibility of being answerable to Pope. Further changes were witnessed under the reign of Pope Innocent III when he replaced officials of the city with officials of Papal. Similarly, his position of authority was strengthened in Rome. Thus, commoners, nobles and everyone were supposed to swear loyalty to the Pope. However, some people had a feeling that was a violation of their rights, for example, right of expression, and freedom of choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pope Innocent III had always proven to be a leader of strong character and excellent ability. His greatest achievements were that he strived very hard to ensure that unity prevails among the Christians; he assisted in spiritual renewal through acknowledgment of mendicant orders, encouraging and allowing Christians to spread the faith. Taken all together, it is clear that his impact on the church helped to redefine the role of the Pope.

Bibliography

Clayton, J., & Campbell, P. (2016). Pope Innocent III and His Times. [S.l.], LULU COM.

Cohen, J. (2017). Pope Innocent III, Christian Wet Nurses, and Jews: A Misunderstanding and Its Impact. Jewish Quarterly Review, 107(1), 113-128.

Smith, D. J. (2017). Innocent III and the Crown of Aragon: the limits of papal authority. Routledge.

Moore, J. (2016). Pope Innocent III and his world. Routledge. Last modified April 27, 2016. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781351910071