ABSTRACT
The kingdom of Sicily was a problem for Innocent II throughout his pontificate. Indeed, once he had secured general recognition by the majority of the western Church, the new kingdom of Sicily constituted the major problem facing the pope. In addition, Innocent was anxious to reassert his control over the papal city of Benevento. Despite hosting a summit conference to find a solution to the schism at Salerno in November, the king still did not withdraw support from Anacletus, the most he was prepared to do was to invite the supporters of the two rival popes to each submit a written memorandum outlining the legitimacy of their candidate's election, which he would then consider at his leisure. The suggestion that Sicily had once been a kingdom, which was now restored, would appear to reflect royal propaganda; certainly the king's biographer Alexander of Telese used this claim to justify Roger's royal promotion.
