Birthplace
Rome
Pope from
March 931
Pope until
January 936
Died
January 936
Who he was
John was the son of Marozia, the noblewoman who then ruled Rome; the Catholic Encyclopedia names her first husband, Alberic, as his father, though some older sources give another account. His mother had him made pope in 931, and he was largely under her control. When his younger brother Alberic II overthrew Marozia and her husband King Hugh, John lost all say outside his purely spiritual duties.
What he is remembered for
He reigned at one of the lowest points in the history of the papacy, with Rome governed by his brother. He is remembered for granting many privileges to the monks of Cluny, whose movement went on to renew the Church across Europe.
Sources
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