# Paschal III

> Italian cardinal and diplomat, antipope 1164 to 1168

**Wikidata**: [Q346582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q346582)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipope_Paschal_III)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paschal-iii

## Summary
Paschal III was an Italian cardinal and diplomat who served as antipope from 1164 to 1168. Born in Crema, he is best known for his brief but contentious role as a rival claimant to the papacy during a period of schism in the Catholic Church.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1110 in Crema, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: Ordained as a Catholic priest and later elevated to the rank of cardinal
- Known for: Serving as antipope during the 12th-century papal schism
- Employer(s): Catholic Church
- Field(s): Diplomacy, religious leadership

## Contributions
Paschal III's primary contribution was his brief tenure as antipope, which occurred during a period of division in the Catholic Church. His election in 1164 marked a significant moment in the schism between the papacy in Rome and the rival claimants in France and Germany. His rule ended in 1168, after which he returned to his role as a cardinal.

## FAQs
**What was Paschal III's role in the Catholic Church?**
Paschal III served as antipope from 1164 to 1168, a title he held due to his opposition to the legitimate papacy during a period of religious schism.

**Where was Paschal III born?**
Paschal III was born in Crema, Italy, around 1110.

**What was Paschal III's occupation?**
Paschal III was a cardinal and diplomat, serving in the Catholic Church.

**How long did Paschal III serve as antipope?**
Paschal III served as antipope for four years, from 1164 to 1168.

## Why They Matter
Paschal III's brief tenure as antipope highlights the political and religious complexities of the 12th century. His election during the papal schism underscores the instability and factionalism within the Catholic Church at the time. His role as a rival claimant to the papacy contributed to the broader conflict between the papacy in Rome and the rival claimants in France and Germany.

## Notable For
- Served as antipope from 1164 to 1168, a role that marked a significant moment in the 12th-century papal schism
- Born in Crema, Italy, and ordained as a Catholic priest before becoming a cardinal
- Known for his diplomatic efforts during his brief tenure as antipope

## Body
### Early Life
Paschal III was born around 1110 in Crema, Italy. Little is known about his early life, but he was ordained as a Catholic priest and later elevated to the rank of cardinal.

### Religious Career
Paschal III served as a cardinal in the Catholic Church before being elected as antipope in 1164. His election marked a significant moment in the 12th-century papal schism, during which the Catholic Church was divided between the papacy in Rome and rival claimants in France and Germany.

### Tenure as Antipope
Paschal III served as antipope from 1164 to 1168. His brief tenure was marked by political and religious instability, as he opposed the legitimate papacy and sought to establish his own authority. His rule ended in 1168, after which he returned to his role as a cardinal.

### Legacy
Paschal III's brief tenure as antipope is remembered as a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. His election during the papal schism underscores the political and religious complexities of the 12th century. His role as a rival claimant to the papacy contributed to the broader conflict between the papacy in Rome and the rival claimants in France and Germany.

## References

1. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
2. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
5. Enciclopedia Treccani
6. Dizionario di Storia
7. HMML Authority File