Honorius II (2)

Honorius II

(cardinal Lambert), Pope, originally bishop of Ostia, was elected pope by the cardinals in 1124, after the death of Calixtus II, while most of the bishops assembled at Rome elected Tebaldus, cardinal of Santa Anastasia. Tebaldus, finding that Honorius was supported by the powerful family of the Frangipani, and that the people were divided in opinion, to avoid further strife, waived his claim. Honorius himself also expressed doubts concerning the validity of his own election; he was subsequently reelected by the clergy and the people of Rome without opposition, and was consecrated Dec. 21, 1124. He refused the investiture of the duchies of Apulia and Calabria to Roger, count of Sicily; and Roger having besieged the pope within Benevento, Honorius excommunicated him; but afterwards peace was concluded between them, and Honorius granted the investiture. He confirmed the election of Lothaire II to the empire, and excommunicated his rival, Conrad of Franconia. He also confirmed the organization of the order of Premonstratensis, and at the Synod of Troyes (1128) that of the Templars; and condemned the abbots of Cluny and of Mount Cassin against whom complaints had been made. He died in the convent of St. Andrew, Feb. 14, 1130. — English Cyclopedia; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Géneralé. 25, 89; Bower, Hist. of the Popes, 6, 19 sq.; Riddle, Hist. of the Papacy, 2, 169; Schröckh, Kirchengesch. 26, 95 sq.; Milman, Lat. — Christianity, 4, 144, 151 sq.; Wetzer ü.Welte, Kirchen-Lex. 5, 317 sq.; Aschbach, Kirchen-Lex. 3, 323 sq.