When was Pope Clement III pope?

Clement III reigned as the 174th pope from 19 December 1187–20 March 1191, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Clement III?

Clement III was pope 174º — the 174th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Clement III remembered for?

Clement III served the Church during the high Middle Ages (19 December 1187–20 March 1191). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Clement III?

Clement III (174º) succeeded Pope Gregory VIII (173º) and was followed by Pope Celestine III (175º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Clement III (174º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Clement III was the 174th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 19 December 1187–20 March 1191 during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who Was Pope Clement III?

This biography of Clement III (174º) 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 Paolo Scolari. Born circa 1130 Rome, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Clement III 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 (19 December 1187–20 March 1191) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Clement III 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

174th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 19 December 1187–20 March 1191
Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Clement III remains pope 174º 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 Clement III 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

Clement III followed Pope Gregory VIII (173º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Celestine III (175º), 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.