John XIV
John XIV, born Peter Canepanova, was Pope from December 983 until his death in August 984. His pontificate was brief and tumultuous, marked by his appointment by Emperor Otto II without clerical or popular consultation, and his subsequent deposition and confinement by Antipope Boniface VII. He died under suspicious circumstances, likely from starvation or poisoning.
Key Facts
- ›Born Peter Canepanova in Pavia, he served as bishop of Pavia and Otto II's archchancellor in Italy.
- ›His appointment as Pope was made by Emperor Otto II without consultation with the clergy or Roman people.
- ›He adopted the papal name John to avoid using the name of Saint Peter.
- ›His papacy was significantly weakened by Emperor Otto II's death shortly after his installation.
- ›He was deposed and imprisoned by Antipope Boniface VII, dying four months later.
- Adopted the Papal Name John.
- Granted A Pallium To Alo, Archbishop of Benevento.
- Was Deposed By Antipope Boniface Vii.
- Was Confined At Castel Sant'Angelo.
- Died Either By Starvation Or Poisoning.
Emperor Otto Ii, Abbot Maiolus of Cluny, Antipope Boniface Vii, Empress Theophanu, Otto Iii, Crescentii Family, Castel Sant'Angelo, Old St. Peter's Basilica
About John XIV
Pope John XIV
Pope John XIV, born Peter Canepanova, served as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from December 983 until his death on August 20, 984. His pontificate was exceptionally brief and marked by significant political upheaval, occurring during a period of imperial influence over papal appointments.
Life and Historical Context
Peter Canepanova hailed from Pavia and had previously served as Emperor Otto II's archchancellor in Italy. Upon the death of Pope Benedict VII in July 983, Emperor Otto II nominated Canepanova to the papal throne. This decision was made without the customary consultation of the Roman clergy or populace, and there is no record of a formal election validating his claim. Canepanova adopted the papal name John upon his accession. However, his support base was precarious; Emperor Otto II died in December 983, leaving John XIV isolated in Rome. His papacy was further undermined by the return of Antipope Boniface VII from Constantinople in April 984, who, with the backing of the influential Crescentii family, seized the papal throne. John XIV was subsequently assaulted, deposed, and confined at Castel Sant'Angelo.
Pontificate and Demise
The exact charges against John XIV during his deposition are not recorded, nor are details of any trial. He died four months after his imprisonment, with sources indicating his death was either by starvation or poisoning. The brevity and weakness of his reign meant that very few official documents bearing his name survive, the most notable being a bull granting a pallium to the archbishop of Benevento, which reflected Otto II's political interests in southern Italy.
Legacy
John XIV's pontificate is primarily remembered for its instability and premature end. Due to the circumstances of his appointment and deposition, and the short duration of his rule, he left a minimal historical footprint. His death date is recorded as August 20, 984, on an epitaph erected during the pontificate of Antipope Boniface VII. He was buried in Old St. Peter's Basilica, though his tomb was later destroyed. Historically, due to the contested nature of Boniface VII's claim, Pope John XV was considered the successor to Boniface VII, rather than John XIV, a situation clarified in later centuries.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope John XIV before becoming pope?
Before becoming Pope John XIV, he was known as Peter Canepanova. He served as the bishop of Pavia and had previously held the position of Otto II's archchancellor in Italy.
How was John XIV appointed to the papacy?
John XIV was nominated to the papal throne by Emperor Otto II after the abbot Maiolus of Cluny refused the office. His installation was made without consultation with the clergy and the Roman people and was not confirmed by a formal election.
What happened during John XIV's pontificate?
John XIV's pontificate was very short and unstable. Emperor Otto II, who had nominated him, died soon after his accession, leaving John without allies. He was later deposed and confined by Antipope Boniface VII.
How did Pope John XIV die?
Pope John XIV died on August 20, 984, while imprisoned at Castel Sant'Angelo. The article states he died either by starvation or poisoning.
Where was Pope John XIV buried?
Pope John XIV was buried in Old St. Peter's Basilica. His tomb was later destroyed during the Basilica's demolition in the seventeenth century.
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