VITTORE III, POPE, blessed. - A Benedictine monk of the Dafauri family (Desiderio), he owed his election to the Norman prince Giordano di Capua (May 1086).
He was a man of letters, author of Dialoghi, and a skilled architect: qualities that did not greatly dispose him to govern the Church. From the outset he incurred the hostility of the disciples of Gregorio VII, who reproached him for his compliance toward the emperor Enrico IV during the time when he was abbot of Montecassino. On the other hand, the supporters of Clemente III ranged themselves among his adversaries. Consecrated late (9 May 1087), he was able to enter Rome only under the protection of the countess Matilde. The troubles and opposition stirred up against him by his adversaries broke his strength and caused his death (16 Sept. 1087). His cult was confirmed by Leone XIII on 23 Sept. 1887. Feast day: 16 Sept.