Gerard, the bishop of Florence was elected to the position of Pope early in 1059 and chose the Nicholas. His predecessor, Benedict X had been elected in December of the previous year but the election was seen to be tampered with. Hildebrand of Sovana was an important figure in the election of popes and would in 1073 become pope himself. When Hildebrand heard of Benedict's election he returned to Rome and at a council held at Sutri, it was agreed that Gerard (Nicholas) should become Pope and Benedict should be removed and excommunicated. To help remove Benedict, Nicholas saught the help of the Normans. To prevent political interference with Papal elections Nicholas brought together over one hundred bishops to agree several new reforms including in April of 1059 the selection of new Popes by the vote of the College of Cardinals in Rome.

 Nicholas (II, Pope) ( - d.1061)