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Pope Alexander II (1010 – 21 April 1073), whose Christian name was Anselm, was the Head of The Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of The Papal States from 1061 to his death in 1073.
Born in Milan, he was deeply involved in the Pataria reform movement. Elected according to the terms of his predecessor’s Bull “In Nomine Domini”, Pope Alexander II was the first election by the Cardinals without the participation of the people and Minor Clergy of Rome. He also authorised the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
He was born of a noble family in the Parish of Cesano Boscone, in the town of Corsico, some seven kilometres (four miles) from Milan.
The family took its name from Baggio, a suburb of Milan, where the family held the Office of “Captain”.[2] According to the Liber Pontificalis,[3] his father’s name was Anselmus or Ardericus.
Contemporary sources do not provide any information on where he might have obtained his education.[4] It was traditionally believed that Anselm de Baggio studied under Lanfranc at Bec Abbey, Normandy, France. However, modern historiography rejects that assertion.[5]
He became a Member of the Clergy of the Cathedral of Milan,[6] and was Ordained a Priest by Archbishop Wido (Guido) of Milan.[7]
He was one of the Founders of the Pataria,[8] a movement in the Archdiocese of Milan, aimed at reforming the Clergy and Ecclesiastic Government in the Province, and supportive of Papal sanctions against Simony and Clerical Marriage.[9]
They contested the Ancient Rights of the Cathedral Clergy of Milan and supported the Gregorian Reforms. Anselm was one of four “upright and honest” Priests suggested to succeed Ariberto da Intimiano as Prince Bishop of Milan.
When the Emperor, Henry III, chose instead the more worldly Guido da Velate, protests followed. In order to silence a vocal critic, Bishop Guido sent Anselm to the Imperial Court.[10]
PART TWO FOLLOWS.
