Eugene III was a Cistercian monk who served as pope from 1145 until 1153. Born Bernardo in Pisa, he originally served as a subdeacon before being ordained as a priest by Innocent II. After joining the Cistercian Order in 1138, he became the abbot of San Anastasio alle Tre Fontane. His election marked him as the first pope from the Cistercian Order. During his papacy, he played a significant role in organizing the Second Crusade and managing the affairs of the Papal States.