What was the conflict between Pope Leo II and Michael Cerularius?

On July 16, 1054, Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cerularius was excommunicated, starting the “Great Schism” that created the two largest denominations in Christianity—the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faiths.

What was Pope Leo IX known for?

Leo IX is widely considered the most historically significant German pope of the Middle Ages; he was instrumental in the precipitation of the Great Schism of 1054, considered the turning point in which the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches formally separated. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Which pope excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople?

Pope Leo IX
In 1054, Pope Leo IX excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople, an occasion that would go down in history as the beginning of the “Great Schism” between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Why did Pope Leo IX excommunicate the bishop of Constantinople?

Why did Pope Leo IX excommunicate the bishop of Constantinople? The bishop was chosen by Emperor Henry IV and the pope disapprove of the choice. Emperor Henry IV was desperate to stay in power.

Why did Pope Leo IX write to Michael Cerularius?

This letter of Pope Leo IX was addressed both to Michael Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Leo of Ohrid, Archbishop of Bulgaria, and was in response to a letter sent by Leo, Metropolitan of Achrida to John, Bishop of Trani (in Apulia), that categorically attacked the customs of the Latin Church that differed from those of the Greeks.

Why was Michael Cerularius important to the Roman Church?

Michael Cerularius was born in Constantinople around 1000 AD, being ordained into the Church from a young age. He is noted for disputing with Pope Leo IX over church practices in respect of which the Roman Church differed from Constantinople, especially the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist.

Who was the pope who excommunicated Michael Cerularius in 1054?

In the midst of these negotiations, however, Pope Leo died, and one of his legates, the French cardinal Humbert of Silva Candida, took advantage of the papal vacancy to retaliate against Cerularius. On July 16, 1054, Humbert entered Constantinople’s cathedral, Hagia Sophia, and excommunicated Cerularius and his clergy.

When was the future patriarch Michael I Cerularius born?

The future Patriarch Michael I Cerularius was born about the year 1000. His education was aimed for a career in the politically charged civil service, but in 1040, he was tonsured a monk.