Pope Benedict VIII facts for kids

Pope Benedict VIII (Latin: Benedictus VIII) was the leader of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from May 18, 1012, until he passed away on April 9, 1024. He was born around the year 980 with the name Theophylact. He came from a powerful noble family called the counts of Tusculum. Unlike many popes from the Middle Ages, he had strong power both in Rome and in other countries.

Becoming Pope

Theophylact was born to Count Gregory I of Tusculum. His family was very important and had already given the Church three other popes: John XI (who was pope from 931 to 935), John XII (from 955 to 964), and Benedict VII (from 973 to 974).

Theophylact became pope on May 18, 1012. When he became pope, he chose the name Benedict VIII.

His Time as Pope

When Benedict VIII first became pope, another person, named Gregory VI, claimed to be the true pope. This person was called an antipope. Gregory VI forced Benedict VIII to leave Rome for a short time.

Working with Emperor Henry II

Luckily, King Henry II of Germany helped Benedict VIII. Henry II brought him back to Rome. To show his thanks, Benedict VIII crowned Henry II as the Holy Roman Emperor on February 14, 1014. Benedict VIII and Henry II remained good friends and worked together throughout Benedict's time as pope.

Protecting Italy

During Benedict VIII's time, groups called the Saracens started attacking the southern coasts of Italy again. They settled in Sardinia and even attacked the city of Pisa. Also, people from Normandy (called Normans) began to settle in Italy.

Pope Benedict VIII worked hard to bring peace to Italy. He made friends with the Normans. He also helped defeat the Saracens in Sardinia. He even brought a powerful family in Rome, the Crescentii, under control.

Church Reforms

In 1022, Pope Benedict VIII held an important meeting, called a synod, in the city of Pavia. Emperor Henry II was also there. They wanted to fix problems in the Church. They worked to stop "simony", which was when people bought or sold Church positions. They also tried to improve the behavior of priests.

Benedict VIII strongly supported a Church reform movement led by Cluny Abbey, a famous monastery. He was a good friend of its leader, St. Odilo.

Traveling and Diplomacy

In 1020, Benedict VIII traveled to Germany to talk with Emperor Henry II. They discussed a new threat from the Byzantine Empire in southern Italy. While in Germany, Benedict VIII visited Bamberg and dedicated a new cathedral there. He also got a special paper from Henry II that confirmed gifts of land to the Church from earlier emperors like Charlemagne and Otto the Great. He also visited the monastery of Fulda.

In 1022, Benedict VIII welcomed Archbishop Æthelnoth of Canterbury from England. The Archbishop had traveled all the way to Rome to receive the pallium, a special scarf given to archbishops by the pope.

To help keep the peace, Benedict VIII also encouraged something called the Peace and Truce of God. This was a movement to limit fighting and violence. He even convinced the Holy Roman Emperor to lead a trip into southern Italy. This trip helped bring back control over some local rulers who had sided with the Byzantine Empire.

Many historians believe Benedict VIII was one of the few popes in the Middle Ages who was strong both at home in Rome and important in other countries. After his death, his brother, John XIX, became the next pope.

Family Connections

Pope Benedict VIII was part of a very influential family. He was related to five other popes who lived in the 10th and 11th centuries. His family also included some of the most powerful rulers in Italy at that time.

See also

• List of popes

In Spanish: Benedicto VIII para niños