Honorius III, d. 1227, pope (1216–27), a Roman named Cencio Savelli; successor of Innocent III. He was created cardinal in 1197 and was an able administrator of the papal treasury. He authored the official tax book of the Roman church, listing all religious and secular institutions owing dues to the Holy See. He was also very learned, and Innocent made him the tutor of Frederick (later Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II). On his accession to the papacy Honorius tried to persuade Frederick to go on crusade. He crowned (1220) Frederick, from whom he received another promise to go, but throughout Honorius's pontificate Frederick postponed departure. Honorius intervened in English politics to force the barons to support the young Henry III, a papal ward. Elsewhere he worked for peace in Christendom—in Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Denmark. He was succeeded by Gregory IX.
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