Pope Clement III, born Paolo Scolari, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1187 to 1191. He was elected pope during a time of political turmoil in Italy and worked to strengthen the church's influence. His papacy is noted for its efforts to mediate conflicts between various factions in the region, particularly between the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian city-states. Clement III is also recognized for his support of the Crusades, particularly the Third Crusade, which aimed to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. He encouraged Christian unity and sought to bolster the church's authority during his tenure, leaving a lasting impact on the church's role in European politics.