Timeline Monday 7 September 1159

Events on Monday 7 September 1159 1

• 1159 Disputed papal election splits the Church Rival cardinals elect Alexander III and Victor IV as Pope Following the death of Adrian IV, a majority of cardinals elected Rolando of Siena as Pope Alexander III, while a minority backed by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa elected Cardinal Ottaviano as Victor IV. The resulting schism divided the Western Church's allegiance among rival popes for nearly two decades. Frederick Barbarossa's support for Victor IV deepened his rivalry with the papacy and much of Europe.