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John XIX
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Name:
Pope John XIX
Born: Romanus
Preceded by: Benedict VIII (1012 - 1024)
Succeeded by: Benedict IX (1032 - 1045)
Roman Catholic Pope #145

Dates:
Born: ? (Italy)
Died: October 20,1032
Pope: April 19, 1024 - October 20,1032 (8 years)

Biography:
John was the older brother of the man he succeeded, Pope Benedict. This was the first and only time something like this occurred. Like his brother, he was still a layman when he was chosen - and the only reason he was chosen was that he had enough money to bribe the right people. Naturally the move from layman to pope in a single day outraged the people of Rome, but there wasn't much they could do about it.

John XIX was not a respected pope. Conrad II, an emperor he himself crowned, ordered and pushed him around. The Byzantine emperor did much the same. The only positive thing to come out of his papacy may have been his support for the reformist abbey at Cluny.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

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