Following the death of Gregory VII in May 1085, Cardinal Desiderius, abbot of Monte Cassino, was elected1 pope as Victor III on 24 May 1086.

The election took place at Terracina rather than Rome, which was controlled by the antipope Clement III with imperial support during the Investiture Controversy ⓘ. Victor was reluctant to assume office and briefly returned to Monte Cassino. He was formally consecrated in Rome on 9 May 1087.

His short pontificate continued the reforming policies of Gregory VII and opposed lay investiture.

• 1. The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church