The Second Lateran Council of 1139 appears in the account as the ecclesiastical forum where a papal schism was addressed and Bernard of Clairvaux worked to establish Innocent II, described as a reformer, as the legitimate pope. The event connects a divided papal election to Bernard’s growing influence in church affairs.

Background and Stakes

Two different groups had elected two popes, creating a contest over legitimate authority. The account gives no further detail about the rival candidates or the causes of the division, but makes clear that resolving the conflict mattered to Bernard’s reforming efforts.

Bernard’s Role at the Council

Bernard worked to see Innocent II recognized as the legitimate pope at the council in 1139. His intervention formed part of his wider involvement in church and state between 1130 and 1145, when he also wrote to European rulers about their duties to their kingdoms and the Church and influenced bishops and abbots interested in reform.

Significance in the Account

The council is presented as a moment when Bernard’s contemplative identity intersected with public ecclesiastical power. Rather than describing debates or procedures, the account emphasizes his political and religious influence in support of Innocent II. It thus situates the council within Bernard’s broader work for church reform, without supplying details about the council’s deliberations.