The Whole World to Govern
Brett Edward Whalen
On January 8, 1198, the very same day that Pope Celestine III died, College of Cardinals elected young and energetic Lothar Segni as bishop Rome. He took name Innocent (1198–1216). came well prepared to papal throne. Early in his ecclesiastical career he had spent years studying liberal arts theology Paris. After that, probably studied canon law Bologna. In 1189 or 1190, Clement elevated him status cardinal deacon, later became priest Saint Pudentiana. During these years, showing education keen mind, penned a number influential theological tracts, including The Misery Human Condition, which reflected on turmoil troubles people face world, Sacred Mysteries Altar, commentary mass sacraments. sermon delivered after election, stressed themes primacy pope’s universal responsibilities, invoking what one favorite biblical passages, Jeremiah 1: 10, “I have set you this over nations, kingdoms, root up pull down, waste destroy, build plant.” Echoing Bernard Clairvaux, new pope — who first began use title “Vicar Christ” with regularity proclaimed Lord given papacy not just Church, but “whole world govern.”