In August 1087, a synod was held at Benevento which renewed the excommunication of the Antipope Clement III, the condemnation of lay investiture, proclaimed a crusade against the Saracens in northern Africa, and anathematised Hugh of Lyons and Richard, Abbot of Marseilles. This speech is one of the last public statements he made during his pontificate. Victor appears to frequently reference the Normans, who had recently established themselves in the region politically.