From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; p. 276.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
VICTOR II.
A.D. 1055-1057.
VICTOR the Second, before called Glaberdus, a Bavarian, succeeded Leo rather by the favour of the Emperor Henry than by a free election; for the clergy and the people of Rome stood in great fear of the power of Henry, whom they had before offended by putting up new Popes, and therefore lest contrary to their oath, they should seem to make any innovations, they propose this Victor, and by Hildebrand, their ambassador to Henry, all things were managed to both their satisfactions. Victor being by universal consent placed in the chair, with the approbation of the Emperor he called a council at Florence, where he deprived a multitude of bishops of their bishoprics for simony and for fornication, and admonished the clergy of their duty, threatening severity against those that should transgress the canons. Some write that Victor made a visit to Henry, and that he was splendidly entertained by him; but I am of opinion, that Hildebrand only went thither, who by virtue of his legantine power, created Henry IV., the son of Henry, Cæsar. Capua was now besieged by the Saracens, which struck terror into all the neighbouring cities, but Robert Guiscard taking up arms, set upon the Saracens and defeated them, thereby delivering at once Capua from a siege and their neighbours from their fears. Of what extraction this Robert was is not certain, some account him a Frenchman, others a Norman; however it be, it is sure he was a person of a noble spirit and an excellent understanding, so that he deserved the crown he held of Apulia. Pope Victor, whose life we are upon, died in the second year, third month, and fourteenth day of his pontificate; after which the see was vacant five days.
Previous Pope: 157. Leo IX. 158. Victor II. Next Pope: 159. Stephen9 IX.