Pope Alexander III

Pope Alexander III, who led from 1159 to 1181, was a significant figure in the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. Known for strengthening papal authority, he navigated conflicts with various monarchs and fought against the influence of the Holy Roman Empire. His papacy marked a period of considerable church reforms, promoting clerical independence and addressing abuses. Alexander III also played a key role in the development of canon law and was instrumental in the establishment of the Third Lateran Council in 1179, which addressed various church issues and improved church governance.