Pope Honorius II (163º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Who Was Pope Honorius II?

Pope Honorius II — 163º in the Catholic list — reigned 21 December 1124–13 February 1130 during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. This Guide Catholic profile gathers background, major acts, and legacy so you can read Honorius II beside neighboring pontiffs.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Lamberto Scannabecchi da Fiagnano, Can.Reg.. Born 9 February 1060 Fiagnano, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Honorius II (#undefined) led during crusades, monastic reform, and cathedral culture — and during sharp contests between popes and emperors over authority in Christendom. Canon Regular of the Lateran.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (21 December 1124–13 February 1130) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Honorius II (#163, 21 December 1124–13 February 1130) 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

• 163rd pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 21 December 1124–13 February 1130
• Approved the Knights Templar as a military order (1128).
• Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
• Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Honorius II remains pope 163º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the high Middle Ages, Honorius II's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Place Honorius II on your mental map: 163º successor of Peter, reigning 21 December 1124–13 February 1130, formed by the high Middle Ages. Start with the concrete record: Approved the Knights Templar as a military order (1128). Canon Regular of the Lateran. Where bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals survive from this reign, they repay readers who want primary sources rather than summaries alone. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Honorius II's reign looks unique or typical for the high Middle Ages.

Place in the Line of Succession

Honorius II followed Pope Callixtus II (162º, 2 February 1119–13 December 1124) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Innocent II (164º, 14 February 1130–24 September 1143), 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.