Benedict III
Italy·9th century·Medieval Papacy·Cardinal-priest of the church of San Callisto
Pope Benedict III was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 29 September 855 until his death on 17 April 858. His pontificate was marked by a contested election and the subsequent intervention of imperial forces. Despite this initial turmoil, Benedict III is remembered for his lenient treatment of opponents and his role in restoring the Schola Anglorum.
Key Facts
- Restored the Schola Anglorum After It Was Destroyed By Fire.
- Intervened In Conflicts Between Lothair Ii, Louis Ii, and Charles of Provence.
- Rebuked Frankish Bishops For Their Silence On Carolingian Realm Disorder.
- Treated Anastasius and His Adherents Leniently After A Disputed Election.
Adrian, Anastasius, Arsenius, Bishop of Orte, Emperor Lothair I, Lothair Ii of Lotharingia, Louis Ii of Italy, Charles of Provence, æThelwulf of Wessex, Alfred the Great
About Benedict III
Pope Benedict III
Pope Benedict III served as the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from September 29, 855, until his death on April 17, 858. His pontificate occurred during the 9th century, a period often referred to as the Medieval Papacy.
Life and Historical Context
Little is documented about Benedict III's early life, though his father was named Peter, and he was educated and resided in Rome. He was appointed cardinal-priest of the church of San Callisto by Pope Leo IV and was recognized for his learning and piety.
Benedict III's election was not straightforward. Initially, Adrian was the chosen candidate by the clergy and people, but his papacy was refused. Subsequently, Benedict was elected, but Arsenius, bishop of Orte, influenced imperial envoys to betray Benedict and instead support the installation of Anastasius, who had previously been excommunicated. Anastasius was installed, and Benedict was imprisoned. However, strong popular support for Benedict led to his consecration, and the Franks recognized his papacy. Benedict III treated Anastasius and his followers leniently.
Major Contributions and Events
The schism resulting from the disputed election is noted as having helped weaken the influence of emperors over papal elections. Benedict III actively intervened in political conflicts, notably between Lothair II of Lotharingia, Louis II of Italy, and Charles of Provence following their father's death. He addressed the Frankish bishops, rebuking them for their passivity in the face of unrest within the Carolingian realms.
During Benedict III's reign, Æthelwulf of Wessex and his son, the future King Alfred the Great, visited Rome. A significant act of his pontificate was the restoration of the Schola Anglorum, an institution for English pilgrims that had been destroyed by fire in 847.
Legacy
Benedict III's pontificate, though brief, played a role in the evolving relationship between the papacy and imperial power. His restoration of the Schola Anglorum provided continued support for English visitors to Rome. A medieval tradition, now largely considered fictitious, links his papacy to the legend of Pope Joan, who was purportedly his immediate predecessor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Benedict III reign?
Pope Benedict III served as the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from September 29, 855, until his death on April 17, 858.
What is known about Pope Benedict III's early life?
Little is known about Benedict III's life before his papacy. His father was named Peter, and he was educated and lived in Rome. Pope Leo IV had appointed him as cardinal-priest of the church of San Callisto, and he was known for his learning and piety.
Was Pope Benedict III's election uncontested?
No, Benedict III's election was initially contested. After Adrian was chosen by the clergy and people, Arsenius, bishop of Orte, intervened to have Anastasius, who had previously been excommunicated, installed instead. Benedict was imprisoned, but strong local popular opinion led to his consecration.
What were some significant events during Pope Benedict III's pontificate?
Benedict III intervened in a conflict between Lothair II, Louis II, and Charles of Provence. He also wrote to Frankish bishops rebuking them for their silence regarding disorder in the Carolingian realms. During his reign, Æthelwulf of Wessex and his son Alfred the Great visited Rome, and Benedict restored the Schola Anglorum.
Is Pope Benedict III associated with the legend of Pope Joan?
A medieval tradition claims that Pope Joan, a woman disguised as a man, was Benedict III's immediate predecessor. However, the legendary Joan is generally believed to be fictitious.
Related Popes
Adrian II
Pope Adrian II served as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 867 until his death in 872. He continued the policies of his predecessor, Nicholas I, and sought good relations with Louis II of Italy. However, his pontificate was marked by personal tragedy as his wife and daughters were murdered by supporters of Louis II.
Adrian III
Pope Adrian III served as the bishop of Rome and leader of the Papal States for a little over a year, from May 884 to July 885. His pontificate occurred during a very troubled time in Italy, marked by famine and war. He worked to alleviate the suffering of the Italian people and engaged in diplomatic efforts regarding faith and imperial succession.
Boniface VI
Boniface VI was a native Roman who served as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States for a brief period in April 896. His election followed riots after the death of Pope Formosus, and his pontificate was declared null and void at a synod in 898. He is noted for having twice incurred sentences of deprivation of orders prior to his papacy.