Pierleoni

This article incorporates text from a public domain source: Bernstein, Aaron. Some Jewish Witnesses for Christ. London: Operative Jewish Converts' Institution, 1909.

Pierleoni (of a noble Roman family descended from a Jewish banker of Rome) was baptized in the first half of the eleventh century, and took the name of Benedictus Christianus. His son was named Leo, and his grandson Petrus Leonis. It is from the latter that the family name is derived. Petrus was prominent in the liberation of Pope Gelasius II., and when Petrus died, his son of the same name was Cardinal, and on several occasions rendered service to the Church. In 1130, this son, Cardinal Pierleoni was elected Pope under the name of Anacletus II., while the counter party chose Innocent II.