Pope Gregory VIII (173º): Crusades — Complete Guide

Who Was Pope Gregory VIII?

Among the 267 popes, Gregory VIII is number 173, remembered for the years 21 October 1187–17 December 1187 in the high Middle Ages. Search interest often clusters around Crusades. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. Use the sections below to move from a one-line summary of Gregory VIII to a usable historical and spiritual picture.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Alberto di Morra, O.Praem.. Born circa 1100 Benevento, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Gregory VIII (#undefined) led during crusades, monastic reform, and cathedral culture — and during sharp contests between popes and emperors over authority in Christendom. Proposed the Third Crusade.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (21 October 1187–17 December 1187) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Canon Regular Premonstratense.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Gregory VIII (#173, 21 October 1187–17 December 1187) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 267 popes.

Key Highlights

• 173rd pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 21 October 1187–17 December 1187
• Proposed the Third Crusade.
• Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
• Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Gregory VIII remains pope 173º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the high Middle Ages, Gregory VIII's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Reading Gregory VIII as pope 173º (21 October 1187–17 December 1187) is a way to study how Rome answered the crises of the high Middle Ages. Begin with this documented note: Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Gregory VIII's reign looks unique or typical for the high Middle Ages.

Place in the Line of Succession

Gregory VIII followed Pope Urban III (172º, 25 November 1185–20 October 1187) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Clement III (174º, 19 December 1187–20 March 1191), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.