Pope Gregory VIII
Pope during the Third Crusade

Born
1100
925 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1187
837 years ago — 87 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Italy
Links & References
Elected as pope in 1187, this religious leader played a significant role during the Third Crusade. His papacy was marked by efforts to rally support for Christian forces against Muslim armies. The pontiff issued the papal bull 'Audita Tremendi' to encourage European monarchs to unite for the campaign to reclaim Jerusalem following its capture by Saladin. His tenure as pope lasted only a few months until his death later that year.
Issued the papal bull 'Audita Tremendi'
Led support for the Third Crusade
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