Gregory VIII
Alberto de Morra · 1187 – 1187
Called the Third Crusade after the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, but died after only two months as pope.
Alberto de Morra was an experienced canon lawyer and papal chancellor who became pope in October 1187, shortly after Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem stunned Christendom. Gregory immediately issued the bull 'Audita tremendi,' calling for the Third Crusade and urging Christians to fast and do penance. He died in December 1187 after only fifty-seven days, never seeing the crusade launched.
Why He Matters
Gregory VIII framed the loss of Jerusalem not just as a military disaster but as a call to repentance. He insisted that the crusade should begin with fasting and prayer, not just armies. He died before he could see whether anyone listened.