Leo V
Leo V was the bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States in 903. His brief papacy occurred in the second half of 903, immediately before the Saeculum obscurum. He was deposed and imprisoned by Christopher, who then had himself elected pope.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States in 903.
- ›Born at Priapi, near Ardea.
- ›Was a priest but not a cardinal priest of Rome when elected.
- ›His papacy occurred in the second half of 903.
- ›Reigned for a little over two months.
- ›Was captured and imprisoned by Christopher.
- Granted Canons of Bologna Exemption From Taxes Via A Special Bull.
- Deposed and Imprisoned By Christopher.
- Died Shortly After Being Deposed.
Pope Benedict Iv, Christopher, Sergius Iii, Theophylact I of Tusculum
About Leo V
Pope Leo V
Pope Leo V served as the bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States during the year 903. His papacy is notable for its extreme brevity, lasting just over two months in the latter half of the year. This period immediately preceded the era known as the Saeculum obscurum, a time when papal temporal authority was significantly diminished.
Life and Historical Context
Leo V was born in Priapi, a location near Ardea, in what is now Italy. He was already a priest at the time of his election, though he was not a cardinal priest of Rome. His pontificate was characterized by political intrigue, as he was overthrown and imprisoned by Christopher, the cardinal-priest of San Lorenzo in Damaso. Christopher then assumed the papacy, often considered a legitimate pope until the 19th century.
Pontificate and Disputed Death
During his short time as pope, Leo V is known to have issued a special bull granting the canons of Bologna exemption from taxes. However, his rule was cut short by Christopher's coup. The circumstances of Leo V's death are debated: he may have been murdered on the orders of Christopher in 903, or possibly both he and Christopher were killed at the beginning of Sergius III's pontificate in 904, either on Sergius's orders or at the behest of Sergius's patron, Theophylact I of Tusculum. Scholar Horace K. Mann suggested it was more likely that Leo V died a natural death in prison or a monastery.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Leo V reign?
Pope Leo V's papacy occurred in the second half of 903. The exact months are difficult to discern, but his reign lasted a little over two months.
What happened to Pope Leo V?
After a brief pontificate, Leo V was captured by Christopher, a cardinal-priest, and thrown into prison. He died shortly after being deposed, either murdered or possibly of natural causes.
Who succeeded Pope Leo V?
Christopher had himself elected pope immediately following Leo V's deposition. Christopher's papacy was from 903 to 904.
Where was Pope Leo V from?
Pope Leo V was born at a place called Priapi, which is near Ardea. This location is in modern-day Italy.
Related Popes
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Benedict V
Benedict V was pope and ruler of the Papal States for a brief period in 964, elected by the Roman people in opposition to Leo VIII, the candidate of Emperor Otto I. He was overthrown by Otto I and exiled to Germany. His pontificate occurred during the "Saeculum obscurum."
Benedict VII
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