AD 1198–1216
Innocent III
The most powerful medieval pope; the sack of Constantinople during his pontificate deepened the East–West breach, and John Paul II expressed sorrow for it in 2001.
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- Years served
- AD 1198–1216
- Biography
- A trained canon lawyer elected at thirty-seven, Innocent approved the Franciscans and Dominicans, convoked Lateran IV and intervened in the politics of most European kingdoms.
- Historical context
- The medieval papacy reached the height of its political influence.
- Major events
- Fourth Lateran Council (1215)
- The Fourth Crusade, which sacked Constantinople in 1204 against his orders
- The Albigensian Crusade
- Historical significance
- The most powerful medieval pope; the sack of Constantinople during his pontificate deepened the East–West breach, and John Paul II expressed sorrow for it in 2001.
Sources and References
- Constitutions of Lateran IVpapalencyclicals.net