Nicholas II

Pope (1058–61), born in Lorraine, NE France. During his short pontificate, his many reforms included issuing the Papal Election Decree (1059), in an effort to reduce political interference in papal elections by requiring the pope to be elected only by the college of cardinals. He favoured the elimination of simony, and attempted to eliminate the abuse and alienation of ecclesiastical property.

Gerard (English and Dutch) or Gérard (French) is a common male forename.

The name is applied as a forename to the following people:

Saint Gerard, Bishop of Budapest Gerard, Bishop of Hereford (1096–1101) Saint Gerard, Bishop of Toul Gerard, General of the French First Army in 1916. Gerard of Cremona (1114–1187), famous Italian translator of scientific works Gerard López Segú, a Spanish/Catalan football (soccer) player Saint Gerard Majella Gerard Way, Vocalist in My Chemical Romance Gerard Butler, Scottish actor Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889) British Victorian poet and Jesuit priest Gérard Depardieu, French actor.

'Gerard' is applied as a surname to the following people:

Étienne Maurice Gérard (1773–1852), marshal and later Prime Minister of France John Gerard (1545–1612), English botanist.

Gerard may also apply to:

Gerard (Aboriginal Council), a local government area of South Australia Gerard, a Japanese progressive rock band.