Lucius III

Pope Lucius III (born Ubaldo Allucingoli; 1100 – 25 November 1185) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Papal States from 1181 until his death in 1185. Born in the Holy Roman Empire to an aristocratic family, he emerged as an experienced papal diplomat. His papacy was marked by conflict with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I (Frederick Barbarossa), culminating in his exile from Rome, and initial preparations for the Third Crusade.

Born in Lucca, Ubaldo Allucingoli rose to prominence within the Catholic Church, eventually becoming Pope Lucius III. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Innocent II and served as papal legate in France, Sicily, and other regions. He was involved in negotiating the Treaty of Venice in 1177, and was elected pope in 1181.

During his papacy, Lucius III faced disputes with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I over the territories of the late Countess Matilda of Tuscany. He also held a synod in 1184 that condemned various heretical groups. In 1185, preparations began for the Third Crusade, but Lucius III died in Verona before they were completed.