Abbot Desiderius of Montecassino and the Gregorian Papacy
Graham A. Loud
Of all the churches affected by Gregorian reform movement few were more notable than monastery of Montecassino. Not only latter's own writers but even Pope Gregory vii himself described it as famous throughout Christendom. In southern Italy was undoubtedly most important single institution Latin Church. Founded St Benedict in 529, eleventh century exempt from normal ecclesiastical jurisdiction and centre a franchise free obligations lay society. Under abbacy Desiderius Benevento (1058–87) enjoyed its golden age political, intellectual artistic influence. Its monks filled many south Italian bishoprics, number them promoted to be cardinals. Three times sixty years, 1057, 1087 1118, Cassinese monk attained see Peter. elected succeed 1087, with title Victor iii.
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History