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Pope Gelasius II

Type Figure Region Italy Time c. 1060–1119 Also known as John of Gaeta

Pope Gelasius II (c. 1060–1119), born John of Gaeta, elected in 1118, seized by the Roman noble Cencio Frangipani and forced into exile in France, wh…

Timeline

  1. c. 1060–1118Gaeta · GaetaGelasius II was born John in the southern Italian port city of Gaeta. He entered the monastery of Monte Cassino early, later became its abbot, and long served as secretary and diplomatic adviser to Pope Paschal II, becoming well versed in Roman church affairs.
  2. 1118Rome · RomeElected pope after the death of Paschal II in January 1118, he took the name Gelasius II. Soon after his election he was seized and beaten by the Roman noble Cencio Frangipani and forced to flee Rome; his exile marked a renewed setback to papal authority within the city.
  3. 1118–1119Cluny · ClunyDuring his exile in France, Gelasius II sought refuge at Cluny Abbey and maintained contact with King Louis VI of France and the Cluny reform movement. He continued to denounce the antipope Gregory VIII and began laying the groundwork for diplomatic negotiations with the Holy Roman Empire, but never returned to Rome.

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