Pope Urban III (172º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Who Was Pope Urban III?

Urban III holds the 172º place among Roman pontiffs, with a recorded reign of 25 November 1185–20 October 1187 inside the high Middle Ages. Was of Italian ethnicity. What follows is a structured biography — early life, context, acts, and succession — written for Catholics who want Urban III in context.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Uberto Crivelli. Born circa 1120 Cuggiono, small town closer to the Free Commune of Milan, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Urban III (#undefined) led during crusades, monastic reform, and cathedral culture — and during sharp contests between popes and emperors over authority in Christendom.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (25 November 1185–20 October 1187) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Was of Italian ethnicity. In the 21st century, Cuggiono is a small Italian town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Milan.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Urban III (#172, 25 November 1185–20 October 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

• 172nd pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 25 November 1185–20 October 1187
• Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
• Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Urban III remains pope 172º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the high Middle Ages, Urban III'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 Urban III as pope 172º (25 November 1185–20 October 1187) is a way to study how Rome answered the crises of the high Middle Ages. Begin with this documented note: Was of Italian ethnicity. Then step back to the full list of 267 popes to see where Urban III sits between crisis and consolidation.

Place in the Line of Succession

Urban III followed Pope Lucius III (171º, 1 September 1181–25 November 1185) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Gregory VIII (173º, 21 October 1187–17 December 1187), 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.