John XIX

Who he was

Romanus, brother of Benedict VIII, had governed Rome as consul and senator. Still a layman when he was chosen in 1024, he received all the holy orders in quick succession and took the name John. Older lists sometimes number him John XX.

What he is remembered for

Early in his reign he came close to granting the Patriarch of Constantinople the title 'ecumenical', but an outcry from reformers made him refuse. He crowned Conrad II emperor in Rome in 1027 in the presence of King Canute, who won relief for English and Danish pilgrims, and he invited Guido of Arezzo to Rome to explain his new way of writing music. He also took the abbey of Cluny under his protection.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope John XIX (XX)