Algrin (or Malgrin), John

Algrin (Or Malgrin), John, a French prelate and theologian, was born near the close of the 12th century. Nothing definite is known concerning the first part of his life. He was prior of Abbeville, and afterwards went to the University of Paris, where he gained the reputation of being a learned man and an able preacher. In 1225 he was appointed archbishop of Besancon, and in 1227 Gregory IX made him cardinal. He was sent as legate to Arragon in order to stir up the crusade against the Saracens, and afterwards brought about a reconciliation between the pope and emperor Frederick II. He died Sept. 28, 1237. Manuscripts of sermons and commentaries upon the Psalms, written by him are foundῥ in the National Library at Paris. He also wrote, Commnentaire sur le Cantique des Cantiques (Paris, 1521). See Hoefer, Nouvelle Biographie Generale, s.v.