When was Pope Honorius II pope?

Honorius II reigned as the 163rd pope from 21 December 1124–13 February 1130, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Honorius II?

Honorius II was pope 163º — the 163rd successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Honorius II remembered for?

Honorius II served the Church during the high Middle Ages (21 December 1124–13 February 1130). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Honorius II?

Honorius II (163º) succeeded Pope Callixtus II (162º) and was followed by Pope Innocent II (164º) in the line of apostolic succession.

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

Honorius II was the 163rd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 21 December 1124–13 February 1130 during the high Middle Ages. Approved the Knights Templar as a military order (1128).

Who Was Pope Honorius II?

This biography of Honorius II (163º) 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 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 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. Canon Regular of the Lateran.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (21 December 1124–13 February 1130) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Honorius 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

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. 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 Honorius II helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. 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

Honorius II followed Pope Callixtus II (162º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Innocent II (164º), 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.