Papacy of Pope Urban II begins 1088

Following the death of Pope Victor III on the 16th of September 1087, Otho de Lagery is elected Pope Urban II on the 12th of March 1088. The election took place in Terracina, a town south of Rome, rather than in Rome itself, because the city was under the control of forces loyal to the antipope Clement III, who had been installed by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy which centered on who had the authority to appoint church officials.

The Antipope Clement III was backed by Emperor Henry IV, and Clement III controlled Rome, which forced Urban’s supporters to convene the election outside of the city.  Urban II, was a key supporter of Pope Gregory VII and was part of the Gregorian Reform movement. His election continued the push for church reform and independence from secular rulers.

It took Urban II several years to secure control over Rome, but he gradually gained support through diplomacy and reform efforts. He is most famous for launching the first crusade in 1095.