When was Pope Anastasius IV pope?

Anastasius IV reigned as the 168th pope from 12 July 1153–3 December 1154, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Anastasius IV?

Anastasius IV was pope 168º — the 168th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Anastasius IV remembered for?

Anastasius IV served the Church during the high Middle Ages (12 July 1153–3 December 1154). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Anastasius IV?

Anastasius IV (168º) succeeded Pope Bl. Eugene III (167º) and was followed by Pope Adrian IV (169º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Anastasius IV (168º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Anastasius IV was the 168th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 12 July 1153–3 December 1154 during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who Was Pope Anastasius IV?

This biography of Anastasius IV (168º) 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 Corrado Demetri della Suburra. Born circa 1073 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Anastasius IV 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 (12 July 1153–3 December 1154) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Anastasius IV 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

168th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 12 July 1153–3 December 1154
Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Anastasius IV remains pope 168º 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 Anastasius IV 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

Anastasius IV followed Pope Bl. Eugene III (167º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Adrian IV (169º), 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.