Medieval Christianity: Pope Innocent III

This edition presents recent scholarship on the role of Innocent III in the development of the medieval papacy. It also enlarges the treatment of the Crusades, Innocent III's importance in theology, his political life and his pastoral and reform activities. Eight new selections have been added.

Composed before 1210 by an anonymous member of the Papal curia, this work provides a unique window into the activities, policies and strategies of the papacy and the curia during one of the most important periods in the history of the medieval Church. Innocent III, who became pope in 1198 and reigned until 1216, has long been regarded as one of the most important popes in history.

This book is a biography of Pope Innocent III. Avoiding the many scholarly controversies concerning the pope, it offers a concise and balanced portrait of the man and his pontificate. Its chronological organization - unusual in biographies of Innocent - enables the reader to see how the pope was usually dealing with many different subjects at the same time, and that the events in one aspect of his life could influence his views of other topics. This structure, together with the thorough documentation, can provide new insights even for scholars well-versed in his pontificate. Written in clear, jargon-free English, the book also gives the student and general reader a good sense of this pope and of the medieval papacy. -Back cover.