Lentorama 2007: The Non-Canonized Catholic Person of the Day

Today we've got Victor IV, born Gregorio Conti, who was elected antipope on this day in 1138. He took over for Anacletus II, who actually has the more interesting story.

When Honorius II lay dying in 1130, a group of cardinals put the succession vote in the hands of a commission led by Haimeric, chamberlain to Honorius. They elected Innocent II, who was consecrated as pope the day after Honorius died.

This didn't sit well with the majority of cardinals, who elected Anacletus. Innocent wound up fleeing Rome, and was in reality the antipope in this situation. At least until he won the backing of several European royals, leaving Anacletus with little support. Anacletus was reasonably well liked, but couldn't command much power, staying in Rome until his death. At which point Innocent returned to Rome and, a couple months later, had Victor IV submit to him thanks to the intercession of Berard of Clairvaux.

(The Catholic Encyclopedia gives more info on both Innocent and Anacletus, and differs on some points, such as Innocent being consecrated the day after Honorius died. Anyway, more detail there for those who want it.)