Pope Agapetus II

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Marinus II
SuccessorJohn XII
Personal details
Born
Agapetus

about 911
Rome, Papal States
Died8 November 955
Rome, Papal States
NationalityRoman
Other popes named Agapetus

Pope Agapetus II (died 8 November 955) was the

bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 10 May 946 to his death. A nominee of the princeps of Rome, Alberic II of Spoleto, his pontificate occurred during the period known as the Saeculum obscurum
.

Pontificate

Agapetus was born to a Roman father (a descendant of Consul

Kingdom of Italy allowed Alberic to exercise complete control over Rome and Agapetus, meaning the pope was largely limited to managing internal church affairs.[1] Even Agapetus’ invitation to Otto to intervene in Italian affairs in 951 was done at the instigation of Alberic, who was growing concerned at Berengar's growing power. However, when Otto's envoys, the bishops of Mainz and Chur, were sent to the pope to discuss Otto's reception in Rome and other more important questions, they were turned away by Alberic.[2]

Agapetus was forced to intervene in the dispute over the occupancy of the

Herbert II of Vermandois, for his opposition to King Louis IV.[5]

After receiving requests from both Louis IV of France and Otto I of Germany, Agapetus granted privileges to monasteries and nunneries within their respective kingdoms. He also was sympathetic towards Otto's plans to restructure the bishoprics within Germany, which were eventually aborted due to pressure exerted by

William of Mainz.[6] Around 948, Agapetus, granted the Archbishop of Hamburg the right of consecrating bishops in Denmark and other northern European countries instead of the pope.[7] The pope was also allegedly asked by a Danish king named Frode, now considered legendary, to send missionaries to his kingdom.[8]

Agapetus was also asked to intervene in a dispute between Herhold,

Moravians, would fall under Gerard.[9]

In Italy, Agapetus wrote to the dukes of

Saint Paul Outside the Walls.[10]

Agapetus died on 8 November 955, and was succeeded by Alberic's son, Octavian, who took the papal name of

Paschal II.[11] Agapetus was noted for his caution and for the sanctity with which he led his life.[12]

References

  • Gregorovius, Ferdinand, The History of Rome in the Middle Ages, Vol. III (1895)
  • Mann, Horace K., The Lives of the Popes in the Early Middle Ages, Vol. IV: The Popes in the Days of Feudal Anarchy, 891-999 (1910)

Notes

  1. ^ Mann, pgs. 226-229
  2. ^ Gregorovius, pgs 323-324
  3. ^ Mann, pgs. 231-232
  4. ^ Mann, pgs. 233-234
  5. ^ Mann, pg. 234
  6. ^ Mann, pg. 236
  7. ^ Mann, pgs. 237-238
  8. ^ Mann, pg. 238
  9. ^ DeCormenin, Louis Marie; Gihon, James L., A Complete History of the Popes of Rome, from Saint Peter, the First Bishop to Pius the Ninth (1857), pg. 291
  10. ^ Mann, pgs. 238-240
  11. ^ Mann, pg. 240
  12. ^ Gregorovius, pg. 321; Mann, pg. 225

External links


Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
Marinus II
 Pope
946–955 		Succeeded by
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