Nicholas II
Gerard of Burgundy · 1059 – 1061
Established the College of Cardinals as the body responsible for electing popes, a system that endures to this day.
Gerard was the bishop of Florence before becoming pope in 1059. His most consequential act was issuing the papal bull In Nomine Domini, which established that cardinal-bishops would be the primary electors of the pope, removing the process from the control of the Roman nobility and the German emperor. This decree laid the foundation for the modern conclave system. He also allied with the Normans in southern Italy, recognizing Robert Guiscard as duke in exchange for military support. He died in 1061.
Who Chooses the Pope?
Before Nicholas II, popes were chosen by mobs, emperors, aristocratic families, or some chaotic combination. Nicholas changed that. His decree In Nomine Domini put the decision in the hands of the cardinal-bishops. The system has evolved since 1059, but the basic principle remains: the cardinals elect the pope. Every conclave in history since then traces back to Nicholas's reform.