John X

Pope John X (Pontificate: 914–928)

Pope John X, born at Tossignano along the river Santerno, served as the bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States for fourteen years, from March 914 until his death on May 28, 928. His pontificate took place during the tumultuous period known as the Saeculum obscurum, a time marked by significant political intrigue and instability within the Papacy and Italy.

Early Life and Rise to the Papacy

John's father was also named John. He was made a deacon by Peter IV, the bishop of Bologna. His early career saw him attract the attention of Theodora, the influential wife of Theophylact I of Tusculum, a powerful Roman noble. Through Theodora's influence, John became archbishop of Ravenna in 905. During his tenure as archbishop, he worked with Pope Sergius III in an unsuccessful effort to have Berengar of Friuli crowned emperor. Following the death of Pope Lando in 914, a faction of Roman nobility, led by Theophylact of Tusculum, summoned John to Rome to assume the papal chair. While some historical accounts, like those of Liutprand of Cremona, suggest undue influence from Theodora, it is more likely that John's close working relationship with Theophylact and his opposition to certain ordinations were key factors in his transfer to Rome. His appointment was controversial as it was seen as an infraction of canon law.

Military and Political Achievements

One of Pope John X's most significant achievements was his instrumental role in the defeat of a Saracen outpost on the Garigliano River. He orchestrated a Christian alliance, seeking aid from the Byzantine Empire and various Italian princes. This alliance led to a decisive victory at the Battle of Garigliano, effectively removing the Saracen threat from the Italian mainland. Leveraging this success, John crowned Berengar of Friuli as emperor in December 915, fulfilling a promise made in exchange for Berengar's support in the campaign.

Political Realignments and Downfall

John X's efforts to unify Italy faced setbacks with the defeat and assassination of Berengar in 924. The deaths of his key supporters, Theophylact of Tusculum and Alberic I of Spoleto, left him vulnerable to the ambitions of Marozia, the daughter of Theophylact. A power struggle ensued between John and Marozia, which escalated after Marozia married Margrave Guy of Tuscany. The conflict resulted in the death of John's brother, Peter, and John's subsequent deposition, imprisonment, and eventual murder in 928, with Marozia playing a central role in his downfall.

Ecclesiastical and Foreign Affairs

Despite the turmoil in Rome, John X engaged in broader ecclesiastical matters. He sent legates to Constantinople to confirm synodal acts condemning fourth marriages, helping to end a schism between the Eastern and Western Churches. In 925, he attempted to enforce the use of Latin in Dalmatia and presided over a synod in Split that regulated liturgical practices. He also engaged with Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria, confirming his title of Tsar and participating in the coronation of his son, Peter I of Bulgaria. In Western Europe, he supported King Conrad I of Germany and intervened in disputes in the Bishopric of Liège and protested the capture of Charles the Simple. He also corresponded with Archbishop Herive of Reims regarding the conversion of the Normans and supported the monastic reform movement at Cluny Abbey. His pontificate also saw significant pilgrimages from England to Rome and the investigation of the Mozarabic rite in Spain. John X is also credited with restoring the Lateran Basilica.

Reputation and Legacy

Historically, John X's pontificate has often been viewed negatively, largely due to the accounts of Liutprand of Cremona, which depicted him as an unscrupulous figure. However, more recent scholarship has re-evaluated his papacy, recognizing him as a capable statesman who attempted to consolidate power and unify Italy amidst a period of significant chaos. He is seen by some as a figure who stood against aristocratic domination of the papacy, ultimately murdered for his efforts.