ALBERONE. – Archbishop of Trier (1131–1152), descended from a noble family of Lorraine whose hereditary castle of Montreuil (Monterol) stood near Toul, born c. 1080, died at Trier on 18 January 1152. He spent his youth in the period of ferment that followed the Gregorian Reform. He became a fervent follower of the reforming ideas of the great Pope Gregory VII. As archdeacon of Metz he placed himself at the head of the rigorously ecclesiastical party that sought at all costs to abolish the abuses then prevalent there. After rendering good service to the Church of Metz as archdeacon and later as primicerius, in 1130 he was compelled by Pope Innocent II to accept the archiepiscopal see of Trier. With the energy characteristic of him he immediately began the difficult work of reform in his diocese.
His friendly relations with St Norbert and St Bernard facilitated his success, especially in the reform of monasteries. His episcopal palace had become a cenacle of scholars. He summoned Baldric (v.) to direct the cathedral school and Baldric later became his biographer. Among the notable achievements of his administration were: his participation in the expedition of Lothair into Italy in 1136–37; the papal legation for Germany entrusted to him by Innocent II on 2 October 1137;
the winter spent in the election of King Conrad III on 7 March 1138. He died after fully restoring discipline in his diocese and bringing it to a state of prosperity that was second to none among the dioceses of the Empire.