Sergius IV

Who he was

Peter, the son of a shoemaker of Rome, had been Bishop of Albano for about five years when he was elected in 1009. The chroniclers record his nickname, Bucca Porci, 'pig's snout'.

What he is remembered for

Little is known of his acts beyond grants freeing several monasteries from the control of the local bishop, some of which survive on papyrus. He weakened the hold of John Crescentius on Rome, was remembered as a friend of the poor during a famine, and was buried in the Lateran.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope Sergius IV