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Blessed Pope Victor III
Image: Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Blessed Pope Victor III

Desiderius, abbot of Monte Cassino and a reluctant pope amid conflict with the emperor

Rank
Blessed
Kind
Pope, Religious
Life
1026 – 1087
Era
11th century
Feast
16 September
Countries
Italy
Italy

Life story

Desiderius was born in 1026 or 1027 into a non-ruling branch of the Lombard dukes of Benevento. His father was killed in 1047 in fighting with the Normans. He fled an arranged marriage, entered the monastery of Santa Sofia at Benevento and took the name Desiderius. In 1053 he joined hermits on Mount Majella, and in 1055 he entered Monte Cassino. Pope Stephen IX chose him as abbot at the end of 1057, and he was installed at Easter 1058; in 1059 he was made cardinal-priest.

Under him Monte Cassino was rebuilt and monastic discipline restored (about two hundred monks), with bronze and silver doors, wall paintings and about seventy copied books. The new basilica was consecrated by Pope Alexander II on 1 October 1071.

When Gregory VII died on 25 May 1085, Desiderius was among those he had named as a suitable successor. He refused, but on 24 May 1086 the cardinals seized him in the church of St. Lucy and named him Victor. Forced to leave Rome, he laid aside the papal insignia at Terracina and returned to Monte Cassino, and only in Lent 1087, at Capua, did he accept the election. He was consecrated in St. Peter's in 1087 but stayed only eight days. In August 1087, at the Council of Benevento, he renewed the excommunication of the antipope Clement III and condemned lay investiture. He died at Monte Cassino on 16 September 1087, and Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1887.

Works and witness

  • Abbot of Monte Cassino from 1058; new basilica consecrated 1 October 1071
  • Elected pope on 24 May 1086, against his wishes
  • At the Council of Benevento (August 1087) renewed the excommunication of Clement III and condemned lay investiture
  • Restored monastic life at Monte Cassino (about two hundred monks)

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

  • New Advent, Catholic Encyclopedia (1912), 'Pope Blessed Victor III', newadvent.org/cathen/15410a.htm
  • Wikipedia, 'Pope Victor III' (beatification, 1887: cross-check)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.