Pope Nicholas II, otherwise known as Gerard of Burgundy, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 24 January 1059 until his death in 27 July 1061. At the time of his election, he was bishop of Florence. During his Papacy, Nicholas II successfully expanded the influence of the papacy in Milan and southern Italy. He was also responsible for passing papal election reforms.
Portrait of Nicholas II in the Nuova Cronica des Giovanni Villani
Nicholas II (right) depicted in a fresco in the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano in Rome c. 12th century
A 1059 bullae seal of Nicholas II
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence
The Archdiocese of Florence is a Latin Church metropolitan see of the Catholic Church in Italy. It was traditionally founded in the 1st century, according to the 14th century chronicler Giovanni Villani. The diocese was directly subordinate to the Holy See (Papacy) until 1420.
The Florence Cathedral, illuminated at night, showing the large red brick dome.