Alexander II
Anselmo da Baggio · 1061 – 1073
The first pope elected under the new cardinal-elector system, he supported William the Conqueror's invasion of England and advanced Church reform.
Anselmo was the bishop of Lucca and a committed reformer. He was the first pope elected primarily by the cardinal-bishops under Nicholas II's new rules, though the German court disputed his election and supported an antipope. Alexander backed the reform movement, condemned simony and clerical marriage, and notably gave his blessing to William of Normandy's invasion of England in 1066. He also protected Jews from forced baptism during the early stages of the Spanish Reconquista. He died in 1073 and was succeeded by his close ally Hildebrand, who became Gregory VII.
Reform and Conquest
Alexander II governed during a pivotal decade. He blessed the Norman conquest of England, condemned forced conversions, and kept the reform movement alive. He was Gregory VII's predecessor in every sense: he cleared the path and handed his successor the tools to transform the papacy.