This week in Christian history: Russia passes anti-missionary law, Mexican bishops suspend worship

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 07, 2024

Pope Eugene III dies – July 8, 1153

A 15th century depiction of the 1153 death of Pope Eugene III, also known as Pope Eugenius. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Eugene III, the head of the Roman Catholic Church who launched the Second Crusade, died after serving less than a decade as pontiff.

An abbot when he was elected pope, Eugene III called for a second crusade when the Crusader state capital of Edessa fell to Muslim forces. Despite the impressive forces amassed for the war, the goals of the campaign were not achieved.

Additionally, Eugene III struggled with political turmoil in Italy, with a bitter rivalry occurring between himself and the Italian religious reformer Arnold of Brescia, a critic of clerical wealth.

“With Rome in a state of anarchy, by early 1146 Eugenius was forced into exile by his archenemy, the Italian reformer Arnold of Brescia,” noted Britannica.

“Eugenius returned to Italy in June 1148 and in July excommunicated Arnold, who denounced Eugenius as ‘a man of blood’ and spread the revolt against him.”