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c. 1150-1228

Born in England in the later half of the 12th century and educated in Paris, Stephen Langton lectured theology at the University of Paris until 1206. In that year, Pope Innocent III made him Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury the following year. However, King John opposed Langton’s appointment and Langton did not possess the see until 1213 when John relented to the Pope’s wishes.

Once in England, Langton absolved King John, who swore to repeal unjust laws and grant liberties to the barons given by Henry I, a promise King John did not keep. Langton gathered the barons and read to them a text of the charter of liberties from Henry I and encouraged them to insist on its renewal.

Throughout the conflict between the King and the barons, Langton played a crucial role in securing the Magna Carta, which King John signed at Runnymede in 1215. As conflict between the King and barons escalated, Pope Innocent sided with the King and ordered Langton to excommunicate the barons. Langton refused to obey the order and the Pope rebuked him and suspended him from office.

He was later absolved. Upon the death of both King John and Pope Innocent III he returned to his see.

Photo – Public Domain: Magna Carta