When was Pope Alexander II pope?

Alexander II reigned as the 156th pope from 30 September 1061–21 April 1073, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Alexander II?

Alexander II was pope 156º — the 156th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Alexander II remembered for?

Alexander II served the Church during the high Middle Ages (30 September 1061–21 April 1073). Citizen of the Free Commune of Milan.

Who came before and after Pope Alexander II?

Alexander II (156º) succeeded Pope Nicholas II (155º) and was followed by Pope St. Gregory VII (157º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Alexander II (156º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Alexander II was the 156th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 30 September 1061–21 April 1073 during the high Middle Ages. Citizen of the Free Commune of Milan.

Who Was Pope Alexander II?

This biography of Alexander II (156º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the high Middle Ages, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Anselmo da Baggio. Born circa 1018 Baggio, Free Commune of Milan, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Alexander II led the Church in the high Middle Ages — an era of crusades, monastic reform, cathedral building, and intense negotiation between popes and emperors over who held ultimate authority in Christendom.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (30 September 1061–21 April 1073) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Authorized the Norman conquest of England.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Alexander II left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

156th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 30 September 1061–21 April 1073
Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Alexander II remains pope 156º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the high Middle Ages, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying Alexander II helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

Alexander II followed Pope Nicholas II (155º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope St. Gregory VII (157º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.