The election of Pope Clement III came at a pivotal time for the Catholic Church as it navigated through various challenges of the late 12th century. Following the death of Pope Urban III, the College of Cardinals convened in Rome to elect his successor amidst the backdrop of power struggles between the Church and European monarchies. Clement III, originally named Paolo Scolari, was a skilled diplomat and had served in various high-ranking roles within the Church, including as a cardinal and papal legate. His election was indicative of the desire for stability and continuity in papal governance.

The conclave faced pressures from influential secular leaders who sought to exert control over papal decisions, especially concerning the ongoing conflicts in the Holy Land and the relationship between the Church and the Holy Roman Empire. Clement III's ascendency was seen as a means to reinforce papal authority in the face of these challenges. His papacy was marked by efforts to mediate disputes, promote the authority of the Church, and address the needs of European Christendom, particularly in light of the Crusades.

Wielding both spiritual and temporal power, Clement III worked to strengthen the Church's position and to mitigate the sectarian dynamics that characterized this era. He struggled with various political factions, yet his leadership was characterized by attempts at fostering unity within the Church and among Christian rulers. His reign as pope would influence the trajectory of the Church’s role in medieval politics and lay the groundwork for subsequent popes and the continuation of crusading efforts.