ADRIAN IV
(Pope Adrian IV)
Note the fact that the Vatican received a “fee” for in effect giving Ireland to Heny II. There are some people who doubt the authenticity of this particular bull. They argue that the English domination of Ireland was never sanctioned by the Church. Supporters of the authenticity however have the majority of the arguments. There are several Papal documents that refer to a Papal Bull sent to England’s king on the subject of Ireland. The “deal” with the cut for the church and the guarantee of church property was typical of deals made at the time. And there are copies of the bull that have been preserved (the original has never been found.)
There are some who question the authenticity of this Bull. However, its existence was supported by John of Salisbury who claimed to be the emissary who arranged the Bull. See {611696}. However, those who are shocked that the Pope could have been so crass as to “give” a country to Henry II for money have claimed that the writing of John was also a forgery,
He was the only English Pope. The act of invasion had been sanctified earlier in Adrian’s Papal Bull. See {610518}. Henry’s invasion was successful but the occupation and reform was a disaster which has ramifications to this day.
He was the only English Pope. This was the authority that enabled English King Henry II to invade Ireland. Many historians consider it the beginning of the problems between the Ireland and England which persists to this day. See {610520}. Some scholars think that this bull was a forgery stating that the writing style was different from other bulls of Adrian IV. Opponents believe that a change in secretaries could easily have accounted for the difference.
He was the only English Pope. He was totally frustrated with the politics of the Papacy.
Pope Adrian IV, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 4 December 1154 to his death in 1159. He is the only Englishman to have been pope.