Pope John XIX facts for kids

Pope John XIX (Latin: Ioannes XIX) was the leader of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1024 until his death in October 1032. He was born Romanus in Rome. John XIX came from a powerful family called the counts of Tusculum. He became Pope after his brother, Benedict VIII. During his time as Pope, the relationship between the Pope in Rome and the leader of the Eastern Church in Constantinople became difficult. He was a strong supporter of Emperor Conrad II and also helped the famous musician Guido of Arezzo.

Becoming Pope

Romanus was born in Rome. He was the third son of Count Gregory I of Tusculum. Before becoming Pope, Romanus held important positions in Rome. He was a consul and a senator, which meant he had a lot of power in the city.

When his brother, Pope Benedict VIII, died, Romanus was chosen to be the next Pope. Even though he was not a priest at the time, he quickly went through all the necessary steps to become one. He was then made a bishop so he could become Pope. He chose the name John XIX.

Key Events as Pope

John XIX played a part in events that led to a big split in the Christian Church later on. This split is known as the East-West Schism. The leader of the church in Constantinople, named Patriarch Eustathius, suggested that his church should have special power in the East. John XIX first agreed to this idea, possibly after receiving a large payment. However, many people in the Church were very upset about this. So, John XIX quickly changed his mind and withdrew the agreement.

John XIX was also interested in music. He invited a famous musician named Guido of Arezzo to Rome. Guido had invented a new way to write down music notes. Pope John XIX encouraged him to teach this new musical notation to the priests in Rome.

In 1027, John XIX supported Conrad II to become the new Holy Roman Emperor. Conrad II and his wife were crowned in a grand ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Two other kings, Rudolph III of Burgundy and Cnut the Great of Denmark and England, also attended this important event. King Cnut came to Rome to show his faith and to make things better for travelers and traders on their way to Rome.

In 1025, Pope John XIX sent a crown to Poland. He also blessed the crowning of the Polish king Bolesław I the Brave.

Pope John XIX also made some decisions about different church leaders in Italy. At one point, he gave special power to the leader of Aquileia over the leader of Grado. However, a few years later, he changed his mind and gave the special dignities back to Grado. He also allowed the Byzantine way of worship to continue in Italy. In return, Latin churches were allowed in Constantinople.

John XIX also supported the Cluny Abbey, a very important monastery. He protected its special rights, even when a bishop named Goslin disagreed. John XIX died shortly after these events, in October 1032. His nephew, Benedict IX, became the next Pope. Benedict IX was very young when he became Pope, possibly around 18 or 20 years old.

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 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Pope John XIX (XX)". Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton. 

See also

In Spanish: Juan XIX para niños