Hatto

Hatto was a medieval German Archbishop and Antipope who lived in the 11th century. He was born around 985 AD in the Duchy of Swabia and rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become the Archbishop of Mainz in 1056.

In 1061, Hatto disputed the election of Pope Alexander II by the College of Cardinals. This led to a schism in the Church, with Hatto being recognized as the legitimate ruler by a faction of cardinals and clergy. As a result, Hatto was inducted as the Antipope, also known as Christianus III. His reign as Antipope was short-lived, and he was excommunicated by Alexander II in 1062.

Hatto's legitimacy as Antipope is disputed among historians. Some credit him with being a strong and capable leader, who gained the support of many clergy and nobles. Others view him as a frivolous and power-hungry individual who sought to consolidate the power of the Church under his control.

During his tenure as Archbishop of Mainz, Hatto implemented several reforms and promoted the construction of churches and monasteries. He also played an active role in secular politics, mediating between the lords and vassals of his region. As a prominent leader in the Holy Roman Empire, Hatto maintained close ties with the German royal court and played a key role in advising the kings on ecclesiastical matters.

Despite the controversy surrounding his role as an Antipope, Hatto remains a significant figure in the history of the Catholic Church in the 11th century. His tumultuous rise and fall serve as an example of the complex web of power and influence that existed among the clergy and secular leaders of the time.