Pope Eugene III, A Humble Man (8 July)

Pope Eugene was born around 1080, of a humble background. His father was named Godius and they lived near Pisa. His name before becoming Pope was Bernardo Pignatelli or Paganelli. But whether that was his name at birth or what he chose when he joined the Cistercians, we do not know. Somewhere between May 1134 and February 1137, Bernardo was ordained a priest by Pope innocent II, who was living in Pisa at the time.

In 1138, Bernardo met the renowned Bernard of Clairvaux, who persuaded the priest to join him at the Cistercian Order in Clairvaux. Here he began to understand the international scope of the Church. 

Pope Lucius II died during turbulence in February 1145 as Arnold returned and became one of the leaders of the Commune of Rome. Papal prefects were deposed, and republican associates developed a secular state. Giordano Pierleoni became patrician.   The cardinals were afraid of a new pontiff abdicating and swearing allegiance to the commune. No one wanted to take the position of new pope. So, the electors quietly voted in someone who was not even considered, a Cistercian monk, Bernardo.

It was too unsafe in Rome for a consecration, so the cardinals and Bernardo moved to Farfa Abbey, 40 km north of Rome. At his consecration, he took the name of Eugene. (Quote from an article By Debra Booton McCoy "Catholic365").