Digital Continent Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul 2016 | Page 39

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In addition to the worrisome
intervention by the Emperor in
the election process, the Roman
nobility was still maneuvering
in order to exert their own
influence. When Pope Stephen
IX passed away in March of
1058, the Tusculan nobles
quickly elected Cardinal Bishop
John of Velletri as Benedict X.
In October of that same year, some cardinal bishops and Hildebrand met in Siena and themselves
elected Bishop Gerard of Florence as Nicholas II. Military assistance was necessary in order to
enthrone him in Rome in January of 1059. The handful of German popes that preceded Nicholas
II, in addition to the difficulties brought on by the Tusculans, confirmed that the election process
was more than inadequate.
Canon law on the subject of the election of a pope was lacking. The election of bishops
didn’t offer much more. Most bishops up to this time were members of the nobility with
important family connections that had been designated by the emperor or other men of
importance and power. It was not uncommon for the recipient of the bishopric to be a layman or
a monk who was not ordained, thus necessitating reception of the sacrament before elevation to
office.69 Such a tradition cultivated disregard for sacerdotal obligation as well as questionable

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Cushing, 68-70.