Innocent+III

=Pope "Not-so-"Innocent III=

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Papacy
(1198-1216)

Also known as Lotana de' Conti. Took name of Innocent III when elected as pope.
He began studying in Paris and also Rome. While studying he became a strong leader trained as a canon lawyer, which means he became an expert in church government. His education allowed him to grow as a strong leader and influencer. His opinions on leadership were clear - he believed that kings derived power from the church and the pope. Therefore, he held his position of power well above all others. Through this higher "throne", he was able to sponsor several of the Crusades, thus further influencing many people. Innocent threatened conversions through excommunication. And against nations, he used interdict to convert them. Innocent III used this form of influence more than 85 times against several princes. King John of England was excommunicated after Innocent III placed an interdict on England. This dispute was over the disagreement of the election of the archbishop of Canterbury. A year before his death, he took part in the Fourth Lateran Council. This council showed proof of the power that the pope held within his position. This council also was the first approbation of St. Francis institute. Innocent III showed discipline, and revival throughout his leadership. Through the crusades, and excommunications he showed discipline towards those who did not believe and those who were heretics. And through his political actions and also religious actions, he proved to be a strong cause of the revival of Christianity.