Pope Benedict IX facts for kids

Pope Benedict IX was born Theophylactus of Tusculum around 1012 in Rome. He was the leader of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States (lands controlled by the Pope) at three different times. This happened between October 1032 and July 1048.

He was about 20 years old when he first became Pope. This makes him one of the youngest popes ever. Benedict IX is also the only person to have been Pope more than once. He is also known for giving up his role as Pope for money.

Benedict was the nephew of the previous Pope, John XIX. In 1032, his father helped him become Pope by offering gifts to people. However, some of his actions upset the Romans. This led to a rebellion. Benedict was forced to leave Rome.

After he left, Sylvester III was chosen as the new Pope. But a few months later, Benedict and his supporters managed to remove Sylvester. Benedict then decided to give up his role to his godfather, Gregory VI. He asked to be paid back for the money he spent to become Pope.

Later, Benedict changed his mind and tried to take back his position. Many important church leaders asked King Henry III of Germany to help. Henry came to Italy and held a meeting called the Council of Sutri. At this meeting, Benedict IX, Sylvester III, and Gregory VI were all removed from their positions. Henry then helped choose Clement II as the new Pope in December 1046.

Some historians say Benedict IX had a bad reputation. But historian R. L. Poole suggests that many of the accusations against him came from his political enemies. These enemies might have made things sound worse than they were.

Early Life of Benedict IX

Benedict was the son of Count Alberic III of Tusculum. He was related to several popes. For example, he was the nephew of Benedict VIII and John XIX. His father helped him become Pope by offering money to the Romans. This act of buying a church office is called simony.

Most historians believe Benedict IX was about 20 years old when he became Pope in October 1032. Some older stories, written by a monk named Rupert Glaber, said he was only 11 or 12. However, these stories are not well supported by other facts.

First Time as Pope (1032–1044)

Benedict IX's time as Pope was seen as troubled by some. Historians like Ferdinand Gregorovius and Horace K. Mann described his rule as a "disgrace." They said his actions caused problems and continued disagreements among different groups.

Historian Reginald Lane Poole suggests that many of the strong accusations against Benedict were made during a time of great political conflict. He explains that people often believe bad things about their enemies during such times, even without clear proof. Poole notes that the worst stories about Benedict appeared only after he gave up his role for money.

Poole believes Benedict was "a negligent Pope" and "very likely a profligate man." However, he also points out that the negative picture of Benedict comes from people who were against him. Benedict had few friends or supporters to defend him.

In 1036, Pope Benedict IX was briefly forced out of Rome. But he returned with help from Emperor Conrad II. In September 1044, people who opposed Benedict IX's actions forced him out of the city again. They then chose Sylvester III to take his place.

Second Time as Pope (1045)

Benedict IX's supporters returned in April 1045. They removed his rival, Sylvester III. This allowed Benedict to become Pope again. However, Benedict doubted he could keep his position. He also wanted to marry his cousin. So, he decided to resign in May 1045.

He talked to his godfather, a religious priest named John Gratian, about giving up his role. Benedict offered to give the papacy to his godfather if he would pay back the money Benedict spent to become Pope. John Gratian paid him the money. He then became Pope himself, known as Gregory VI. Many people were happy about this change.

Third Time as Pope (1047–1048)

Benedict IX soon regretted giving up his position. He returned to Rome and took control of the city. He remained Pope until July 1046, even though Gregory VI was still seen as the rightful Pope by many. At this time, Sylvester III also tried to claim the papacy again.

Many important church leaders and citizens asked Emperor Henry III to come to Italy and restore order. Henry stepped in. At the Council of Sutri in December 1046, Benedict IX and Sylvester III were officially removed from their positions. Gregory VI was asked to resign because his agreement with Benedict was seen as simony (buying a church office).

A German, Clement II, was chosen to replace Gregory VI. Benedict IX had not attended the council and did not accept being removed.

When Clement II died in October 1047, Benedict took over the Lateran Palace in November. He became Pope once more. But German troops forced him out in July 1048. To fill the empty position, Damasus II was chosen as Pope. He was accepted by everyone.

Benedict IX refused to appear in 1049 to face charges of simony. Because of this, he was excommunicated, meaning he was officially removed from the church.

What happened to Benedict IX after this is not entirely clear. But he seems to have stopped trying to be Pope. It is possible that Leo IX later lifted the ban on him. Benedict IX was buried in the Abbey of Grottaferrata around 1056. According to the abbot (head of the abbey), Saint Bartholomew of Grottaferrata, Benedict became sorry for his past actions as Pope and changed his ways.

See Also

• List of popes