18. Pope Honorius II took the Throne of St. Peter by force
Lamberto Scannabecchi was consecrated a cardinal in 1117, and was an adviser to several of the popes who preceded him. In the 1120s succeeding popes sought to strengthen the Italian contingent within the College of Cardinals, to resist French influence. While this was successful, it also exacerbated the frictions between the powerful Italian families. Lamberto, who was of the Frangipani family, was opposed by the Pierleone family, who supported the cardinals from around Rome and southern Italy. Frangipani support favored the northern regions. During the papal conclave of 1124, the Frangipani faction supported the election of Lamberto as pope. On December 16, 1124, the cardinals elected a patron of the Pierleone’s, who accepted and selected the name Celestine II. After Celestine donned his red cape armed Lamberto supporters attacked, and the newly elected pope was wounded in the melee.
Lamberto was appointed as pope during the ensuing confusion, aided by the wounded Celestine’s offer to resign, since he had not yet been consecrated. Lamberto took the name Honorius II and spent the early days of his papacy quashing the rioting which erupted on the streets of Rome between the two families and their supporters. Eventually Honorius II consolidated his position through force and bribery, and served as pope for just over five years, until his death in 1130. After his position on the throne was secure he resigned as pope and was immediately re-elected to the office by the conclave, under the watchful eyes of his supporters.
Where do we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
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