The Sicilian situation changes with the death of Peter III on November 11, 1286, in that his kingdoms have been divided between his two oldest sons: Alfonso III of Aragon, who has received the crown of Aragon, and James II of Aragon, who has succeeded as King of Sicily.

Honorius IV acknowledges neither the one nor the other: on April 11, 1286, he solemnly excommunicates King James II of Sicily and the bishops who had taken part in his coronation at Palermo on February 2.

Neither the king nor the bishops concern themselves about the excommunication.

The king even sends a hostile fleet to the Roman coast and destroys the city of Astura by fire.

Charles of Salerno, the Angevin pretender, who is still held captive by the Sicilians, finally grows tired of his long captivity and signs a contract February 27, 128, in which he renounces his claims to the kingdom of Sicily in favor of James II of Aragon and his heirs.

Honorius IV, however, declares the contract invalid and forbids all similar agreements for the future.

While Honorius IV is inexorable in the stand he has taken towards Sicily, his relations towards Alfonso III of Aragon become less hostile.

Through the efforts of King Edward I of England, negotiations for peace are begun by Honorius IV and King Alfonso III.