Alexander III (died 1181)

Pope 1159-81. His authority was opposed by Frederick I Barbarossa, but Alexander eventually compelled him to render homage in 1178. He held the third Lateran Council in 1179. He supported Henry II of England in his invasion of Ireland, but imposed penance on him after the murder of Thomas à Becket.

He spent the latter part of his pontificate in exile, being driven from Rome by the republic.