Pope Benedict V facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pope Benedict V |
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| Bishop of Rome | |
Miniature of Benedict V in a fragment from his grave monument
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 22 May 964 |
| Papacy ended | 23 June 964 |
| Predecessor | John XII |
| Successor | Leo VIII |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Benedetto |
| Born | Rome, Papal States |
| Died | 4 July 965 Hamburg, Holy Roman Empire |
| Other Popes named Benedict | |
Pope Benedict V (who died on July 4, 965) was a pope and leader of the Papal States. He served for a very short time, from May 22 to June 23, 964. He was chosen by the people of Rome, but another pope, Leo VIII, was supported by Emperor Otto I. Benedict V was eventually removed from his position by Emperor Otto I. His time as pope happened during a difficult period for the Church.
Early Life and Learning
Benedict was born in Rome. His father's name was John. He grew up near the ancient Theatre of Marcellus.
As a cardinal-deacon, Benedict was known for being very smart and well-educated. People at the time even called him Grammaticus, which means "the scholar." He also worked as a notarius, which is like a secretary or clerk.
Benedict was involved in an important event in 963. He took part in a meeting where Pope John XII was removed from his role by Emperor Otto I. After this, Otto I helped choose Pope Leo VIII to be the new pope.
Becoming Pope
The people of Rome were not happy with Leo VIII as pope. So, they called back John XII. John then held a meeting that said Leo was not the true pope. Benedict was part of this meeting.
When John XII died, the Roman people still did not want Leo VIII. Leo ran away from Rome to join Emperor Otto I. After some fighting between different groups in Rome, the Romans chose Benedict to be their new pope. The city's soldiers cheered for him.
Before Benedict was crowned, messengers were sent to Emperor Otto to tell him about their choice. But the emperor did not agree and warned them not to go ahead. The Romans ignored Otto's warning. Benedict was made a bishop and crowned pope on May 22, 964. The people of Rome promised to support Benedict and protect him from Otto.
However, when Emperor Otto heard the news, he decided to put his chosen pope, Leo VIII, back in charge. Otto marched to Rome and surrounded the city. He blocked it so no one could leave. This caused a terrible famine, meaning people had no food. The land around the city was destroyed.
Even though Benedict tried to keep everyone's spirits up from the city walls, the Romans soon gave up. They opened the gates to Otto and handed Benedict over to him on June 23, 964.
Losing His Title
Benedict, along with his supporters, was brought before a meeting that Leo had called. Benedict was wearing his pope's robes. He was asked how he dared to become pope while Leo was still alive. He was also accused of breaking a promise he made to the emperor. This promise was that he would never choose a pope without the emperor's permission.
Benedict replied, "If I have sinned, have mercy on me." The emperor promised to spare his life if he gave up. Benedict then knelt at Leo's feet and admitted he was wrong.
The meeting decided to take away his title as bishop. His special scarf (called a pallium) was torn from him, and his shepherd's staff was broken by Leo. But because Emperor Otto asked for it, Benedict was allowed to keep his rank as a deacon.
Emperor Otto left Rome in late June 964, taking Benedict with him. After some time, Benedict was taken to Germany in early 965. He was moved to Hamburg and placed under the care of Adaldag, who was the Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen.
Archbishop Adaldag treated Benedict well. However, many other people thought Benedict was an antipope, meaning they did not believe he was a true pope. They tried to keep him separate from others.
Death and Burial
Benedict V died on July 4, 965. He was buried in the cathedral in Hamburg. Sometime before the year 988, his remains were moved back to Rome. But no one knows exactly where he was buried there.
See also
In Spanish: Benedicto V para niños
