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John XI
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Name:
Pope John XI
Preceded by: Stephen VIII (VII) (928 - 931)
Succeeded by: Leo VII (936 - 939)
Roman Catholic Pope #126

Dates:
Born: ? (Rome, Italy)
Died: 929
Pope: February/March 931 - December 935 / January 936 (4 years)

Biography:
Many believe that Pope John XI was the illegitimate son of Pope Sergius III and Marozia, a high-ranking woman in Rome. Whether that was true or not, it does seem to be the case that he was elected through the influence of Marozia. He also left office because of her - when she married the king of Italy (her own brother-in-law) it caused such a scandal that both the king and the pope were kidnapped by mobs in Rome and imprisoned. Instigator of the rioting mobs was Alberic II, Marozia's son from her first marriage and later absolute ruler of Rome - he would become responsible for the election of numerous popes himself.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

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