Pope from December 12, 1254 to March 25, 1261. Born in Anagni, France as Rinaldo Conti; died on March 25, 1261 in Viterbo, Italy. Of the house of Segni, he became cardinal-bishop of Ostia and was well advanced in years when elected pope. Although a man of great virtue, he was unable to cope with the difficult political conditions of his time. His crusade against the tyrant Ezzelino was successful, but the spirit of the Crusades was dying out and his expedition against the Tatars was unsuccessful. Rome and a large portion of Italy were lost to papal control during his reign.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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