Honorius IV., Pope, 1285–1287

The consequence of the deliverance of the Church from Charles's long protectorate was the speedy elevation of a Roman to the sacred chair. As early as April 2, 1285, Jacopo Savelli, the aged and highly-respected Cardinal of S. Maria in Cosmedin, was elected Pope in Perugia. He hastened to Rome, where he was consecrated as Honorius IV on May 15. He took the name of Honorius in honour of Honorius III., the first pope of his already powerful house. He was himself the son of the Senator Luca Savelli and of Johanna Aldobrandesca, a member of the family of the counts of Santa Fiora. Of his brothers, who had formerly fought under Charles's banner at Tagliacozzo, John was already dead, and Pandulf was, with Anibaldus, Senator of Rome. Scarcely had Honorius IV been elected when the Romans invested him with the senatorial power for life, and he forthwith confirmed Pandulf in the senatorship.

Pandulf Savelli, Senator

It is curious to see the two brothers, both gouty and incapable of motion, ruling the city, one as Pope from the palace beside S. Sabina on the Aventine, the other as Senator on the Capitol. Honorius was so crippled in hands and feet that he could neither stand nor walk alone.