Pope from
May 964
Pope until
23 June 964
Died
4 July 965
Who he was
Benedict was a cardinal-deacon, so learned that he was called 'the Grammarian'. After the Romans expelled Leo VIII, they elected Benedict when John XII died in May 964, without the emperor's leave.
What he is remembered for
The Emperor Otto I marched on Rome, seized him and brought his reign to an end on 23 June 964, most probably by force rather than by his own resignation. He was taken to Germany and placed with Adaldag, Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, who treated him kindly, and some German clergy still regarded him as pope. He died in July 965 and was buried in Hamburg cathedral; his remains were later brought back to Rome.
Sources
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