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What role did Bernard of Clairvaux play during the period of papal disunity?
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St. Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, detail of an altarpiece by the Florentine School, early 15th century; in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
During the period of papal disunity following the 1130 election, St. Bernard of Clairvaux played a decisive role in securing the legitimacy of Pope Innocent II against the antipope Anacletus II.12
Bernard’s contributions included:
- Diplomatic Influence: He acted as a mediator and counselor, successfully swaying the French Church and King Henry I of England to support Innocent II.23
- Political Advocacy: He accompanied Innocent II and the Holy Roman emperor Lothar II on military expeditions into Italy to restore Innocent to the papal throne.12
- Resolution of Schism: After the death of Anacletus II, Bernard persuaded his successor, the antipope Victor IV, to resign in 1138, effectively ending the schism.2
- Ecclesiastical Authority: He served as a confidant to popes and a major figure in church councils, including the second Lateran Council in 1139, which was convoked by Innocent II to formally conclude the crisis.123
Throughout this period, Bernard viewed his role as essential to healing the wounds inflicted upon the church by the election of antipopes contrary to established clerical procedures.3