Pope Innocent III

1 8.9

An Italian pope from 1198 to 1216 who started the Fourth Crusade and increased the pope's power in Europe

proper noun

: Papa Inocencio III

The Fourth Crusade was launched during the reign of Pope Innocent III.

Examples

Pope Innocent III played a crucial role in shaping medieval European politics and the authority of the papacy.
Many historians regard Pope Innocent III as one of the most powerful and influential popes in history.
Pope Innocent III was a significant figure in medieval history.
Did Pope Innocent III really call for the Fourth Crusade?
In 1207, John fell out with Pope Innocent III over the appointment of a new archbishop of Canterbury.
In 1212, when John was still under excommunication by Pope Innocent III, there had been a plot to abandon him to the Welsh while on campaign.
After Pope Innocent III initiated the Fourth Crusade, his influence over European politics significantly increased.

Synonyms

Innocent III

vsPope Innocent III

1 9.8

A pope from 1198 to 1216 who made the church more powerful and started the Fourth Crusade

uses the more formal full title rather than the short name

Surface Forms

Pope Innocent III main

Morphology

Pope + Innocent + III

This is a compositional proper-name: 'Pope' (head of the Church) + the name 'Innocent' + the Roman numeral 'III' signals the third pope with that name. A B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer it refers to a pope called Innocent the Third, even if they cannot deduce his historical dates or deeds.

Etymology

Pope Innocent III got his name because when he became pope he chose the name 'Innocent', and the 'III' shows he was the third pope to use that name. Popes pick a new name to show the kind of leader they want to be, and Pope Innocent III used his power to make big decisions for Europe and to start the Fourth Crusade.