Pope John 12. John XII: Biography

(+ 05/14/964, Rome; before being elected pope - Octavian), Pope of Rome (since 16 Dec. 955). Descended from Rome. aristocratic family. Son of Alberich II, hertz. Spoleto, Rome. senator and consul, from 932 until his death in 954, who ruled the city alone. Information about Octavian's mother is contradictory: most likely it was Alda, the daughter of Cor. Italy Hugh of Arles and legal wife c. Alberich II, however, in the "Chronicle" of Benedict of Soract, it is stated that Octavian was the son of Alberich II's concubine (however, this characteristic may also apply to Alda - Mann. 1910. P. 243-244). Octavian born. in Rome, most likely in the residence of gr. Alberich II near c. St. Apostles. According to one edition of the Liber Pontificalis, before being elected pope, Octavian was Cardinal-Deacon of Rome. the diaconia of the Virgin Mary (S. Mariae in Domnica), which, however, is not confirmed by other sources. Elected to the Roman See in fulfillment of the last will of Count. Alberich II. If the hypothesis about the legal birth of Octavian is correct, then at the time of his election as pope he was 18 years old. Octavian accepted Christ. the name John, thus becoming the 1st Pope, who changed his name during the election (some researchers believe that Pope John II changed his name for the first time).

Little is known about the first years of I.'s pontificate. According to the Salerno Chronicle, the pope made an attempt to expand the territories subordinate to Rome in the south, organizing a campaign against Pandulf of Benevent and Landulf II of Capua, but was forced to return to Rome because of fears that gr. Gisulf of Salerno will capture the city. In Terracina, I. concluded a peace treaty with Gizulf, the main condition for which, as researchers believe, was the renunciation of the pope's claims to secular power in Salerno (Fedele. 1905).

To the beginning 60s 10th century the situation in Italy escalated due to the attempts of the Cor. Italy Berengar II and his son and co-ruler Adalbert strengthen their position in Lombardy and Center. Italy. In 960, I., being unable to resist them, turned to the Germans for help. box Otto I (936-973, emperor since 962). Also, the exiled Archbishop of Milan turned to Otto with a request to come to Italy and punish Berengar. Walpert and Margr. Este Otbert. In the autumn of 961, Otto led a campaign in Italy. Without meeting serious resistance (Berengar II, avoiding battle, fortified himself in the fortress of San Leo (Montefeltro), and Adalbert fled to La Garde Fresnay (modern dep. Var, France) or to Corsica), in the con. Jan. 962 Otto arrived in Rome, where he was solemnly received by the pope. Sunday 2 Feb. 962, on the feast of the Meeting of the Lord, after Otto took an oath to observe and protect the interests of the Romans and the Roman Church (the text of the oath is preserved by Bonizon of Sutra - Bonizonis episcopi Sutrini Liber ad amicum. 4 // MGH. Lib. T. 1. P. 581) the pope assigned to the germ. king and his wife Adelheid imp. crowns. After the coronation, a Council was held chaired by the pope and the emperor, where the issue of creating an archdiocese in Magdeburg and the principles of the relationship between the pope and the emperor were discussed (Papstregesten. 1998. N 298, 304). At the Council, the creation of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg was approved (the final decision on this issue was made at the Council in Ravenna in 967) and the bishopric of Merseburg (Jaffé. RPR. N 2832); also following its results on 13 Feb. 962 imp. Otto I signed a charter with the privilege of the Roman Church (“Privilegium Ottonianum”; preserved copy of the 10th century). The text of the privilege is divided into 2 logical parts: the enumeration of secular possessions assigned to the Pope (§ 1-14), and the provisions governing the rights of the pope and the emperor in Rome (§ 15-19); following W. Ullmann (Ullmann. 1953), most modern. researchers believe that the 2nd part of the privilege was absent in the original text of the document and was included in it after the election of Pope Leo VIII in December. 963 "Privilegium Ottonianum" contains few innovations compared to previous charters of this kind: the charter of Louis the Pious "Ludovicianum" (817) and the Code of Rome of Pope Eugene II and imp. Lothair ("Constitutio romana", also "Lotharianum", 824). The Ottonian privilege confirmed the boundaries of the Papal States, established by Louis the Pious (without the Duchy of Salerno), and also preserved all the rights of the pope and emperor in Rome, stipulated in the Roman Code of 824. The Roman Church was guaranteed the free election of a bishop, but before consecration, he had to take an oath in the presence of imperial legates to comply with the terms of the agreement with the emperor. And. and the Romans swore an oath not to enter into an alliance with the opponents of the emperor, especially with Berengar II and Adalbert.

After Otto I went with an army to northern Italy to lead the siege of the fortress of San Leo, I. entered into negotiations with Adalbert, inviting him to return to Italy and promising to provide support in the conflict with the emperor. Whether I. was the initiator of the negotiations, or whether he only responded to Adalbert's requests for help, is unknown. At the same time, the pope tried to make an alliance with the Byzantine Empire and the Hungarians, sending messages calling for an attack on Germany. possessions of the emperor in his absence. The ambassadors were intercepted by the emperor. Papal legates accused Otto I of breaking his promise to transfer to the Pope the territories assigned to the Papal See. The reciprocal embassy sent by Otto I in order to remove suspicions of non-fulfillment of promises was accepted by I. with hostility, while Adalbert in Rome was met solemnly by the pope. Otto I, having learned about the return of the son of Berengar II, left the fortress of San Leo and went to Rome with a small detachment, where in con. oct. In 963, he was met by supporters of I. and Adalbert, who, after a short armed confrontation, were forced to flee to Tivoli or, according to Liber Pontificalis and Benedict of Sorak, to Campania.

Nov 6 963 imp. Otto I convened a Council, at which I was tried. The Pope was accused of sacrilege, debauchery, simony, murder and perjury. He was sent a letter with an invitation to attend the Council, but I. refused, threatening the participants of the Council with excommunication from the Church. When, despite the threat, the Council adopted the indictment and declared I. deposed, the pope fled. Instead, with the support of the emperor, 4 Dec. 963 Leo VIII was elected to the See of Rome. However, anti-imperial sentiments were also strong in Rome, which led to an uprising (January 3, 964). The rebels tried to expel the Holy Angel of the Emperor, who had fortified himself near the Vatican Basilica and the castle, but their performance was suppressed by the army of Otto I. In the middle. Jan. the emperor left Rome for Spoleto, and on Feb. I. returned to Rome, accompanied by an army, on Feb. 26. In 964, a new Council was held in the Vatican Basilica, at which the Council of 963 was declared illegal, I. was restored to the dignity, and Pope Leo VIII was deposed (MGH. Const. T. 1. P. 532-536). Leo VIII fled to Pavia, where he was respectfully received by the imp. Otto I, who began to prepare for a new campaign against Rome. However, on May 14, 964, I. died under mysterious circumstances. According to Liutprand of Cremona, the pope, on a date with a certain Roman woman outside the walls of the city, was struck in the temple by the devil, and after 8 days I. died.

Judging by fragmentary information, I. supported the Cluniac movement and church reform in the West Frankish kingdom and in England. A papal letter to Berner, abbot of the monastery of the Virgin Mary and St. Kunigundy in Omblier: at the request of the West Franc. box Lothair, the pope freed the monk from vassalage to Gilbert of Ribmont, emphasizing that the monk should never be the fief of a secular ruler, and also granted the monastery a Benedictine charter and the right to freely elect an abbot (Jaffé. RPR. N 2822). In England, I. approved at the Canterbury cathedra of St. Dunstan, an ecclesiastical reformer. Letters and other documents confirming the privileges of monasteries and bishops have been preserved, but their number is small. It is known about the works that were carried out under I. in the Lateran Basilica. In 960, by order of I., the basilica was repaired, and a chapel dedicated to ap. Thomas (oratorium S. Thomae apostoli), after. for a long time served as the papal sacristy. Descriptions of the chapel have been preserved, as well as copies of 2 fragments of wall painting. Both fragments are images of I.: on one, the deacons help the pope to put on a kazula, on the other, I. blesses the faithful under a canopy.

In the Middle Ages and in modern times, I. was known in historiography as one of the most dissolute popes. This reputation was founded by Ch. arr. on the modern pontificate I. op. History of Otto by Liutprand of Cremona. The pope was accused of simony, of non-canonical actions (I. allegedly ordained a deacon in the stable), of neglecting the poor condition of the churches, of turning the Lateran Palace into a refuge for dissolute women, of fornication, including in churches, of seducing married women, incestuous relationships, etc. I.'s notoriety was also reflected in other contemporary sources: in Liber Pontificalis, in the Continuatio Reginonis Chronicle of Reginon (Continuatio Reginonis), in the Chronicle of Benedict of Sorak, as well as in later chronicles. In the late Middle Ages. description of the transfer of the relics of St. Cyriacus in Bamberg, it is reported that I., having become pope, sent to Preciosa, abbess of the monastery of St. Cyriacus in Rome, an ambassador with a certain proposal, which caused an angry refusal of the abbess. I. held a grudge against the abbey, and when Otto I arrived in Rome in 962, the pope removed the relics of St. Cyriacus and presented them to the emperor, among others. relics (ActaSS. Aug. T. 2. P. 338-339). Most researchers tend to be critical of such information, they note proimp. the direction of early sources and the dependence of later ones on them.

Source: LP. Vol. 2. P. 246-249; Jaff e . RPR. N 2821-2844; Liudprandus Cremonensis. Historia Ottonis // MGH. Script. rer. germ. T. 41. P. 159-175; Benedictus S. Andreae monachus. Chronicon, an. 955-964 // MGH. SS. T. 3. P. 717-719; Continuator Reginonis, an. 961-964 // MGH. SS. T. 1. P. 624-627; Chronicon Salernitanum. 166/Ed. U. Westerbergh. Stockholm, 1956. P. 170; Sickel T., von. Das Privilegium Otto I. für die römische Kirche. Innsbruck, 1883; MGH. Dipl. T. 1: Conradi I. Henrici I. et Ottonis I diplomata. P. 322-327; MGH. Const. T. 1. P. 532-536; Papstregesten, 911-1024 / Bearb. H. Zimmermann. W., 19982. No. 254-355. (Regesta Imperii; Tl. 2. Abt. 5).

Lit .: Duchesne L. Les Premiers temps de l "État Pontifical. P., 19042. P. 328-352; Fedele P. Di alcune relazioni fra i conti del Tuscolo ed i principi di Salerno // Archivio della Società Romana di Storia Patria R. 1905 Vol 28 P 5-21 Mann H K The Lives of the Popes in the Early Middle Ages L L 1910 Vol 4 P 241-272 Wilpert J Die römischen Mosaiken und Malereien der kirchlichen Bauten vom IV bis XIII Jh Freiburg i Br 19172 Bd 1 S 212-213 Amann E Jean XII DTC T 8 Col 619-626 ; Ladner G. B. I ritratti dei Papi nell "antichità e nel medioevo. Vat., 1941. Vol. 1. P. 163-167; Ullmann W. The Origins of the Ottonianum // CHJ. 1953 Vol. 11. No. 1. P. 114-128; Zimmermann H. Die Deposition der Päpste Johannes XII., Leo VIII. u. Benedikt V. // MIÖG. 1960. Bd. 68. S. 209-225; Hehl E. D. Die angeblichen Kanones der römischen Synode vom Februar 962 // DA. 1986. Bd. 42. S. 620-628; Hampe K. Die Berufung Ottos des Grossen nach Rom durch Papst Johann XII. // Historische Aufsätze: K. Zeumer z. 60 Geburtstag: F.S. Fr./M., 1987r. S. 153-167; Kreuzer G. Johannes XII. //BBKL. bd. 3 Sp. 208-210; Gregorovius F. The history of the city of Rome in Wed. century: from the 5th to the 16th century. M., 2008. S. 459-468.

There were times when there was no church organization, cult, dogma, there were no officials. From the mass of ordinary believers came prophets and preachers, teachers and apostles. It was they who replaced the priests. It was believed that they were endowed with power and capable of teaching, prophecy, performing miracles, even healing. Any adherent of the Christian faith could be called a charismatic. Such a person often even ran the affairs of the community if a certain number of like-minded people joined him. Only by the middle of the 2nd century did the bishops gradually begin to direct all the affairs of the Christian communities.

The name "Papa" (from the Greek word - father, mentor) appeared in the 5th century. Then, according to the edict of the emperor of Rome, all the bishops were subject to the papal court.

The pinnacle of the power of papal power was a document that appeared in 1075, called the Dictate of the Pope.

The papacy at different periods of its history experienced dependence on emperors, as well as their governors, on French kings, even on barbarians, a split in the church, forever dividing all adherents of Christianity into Orthodox and Catholics, the strengthening of power and the rise of the papacy, the crusades.

Who was awarded such a high title "Pope"? A list of these people is presented to your attention in the article.

Secular power of the Pope

Until 1870, inclusive, the Popes were the rulers of multiple territories in Italy, which was called the Papal States.

The Vatican became the seat of the Holy See. Today there is no smaller state in the world, and it is completely located within the boundaries of Rome.

The head of the Holy See, and therefore the Vatican, the Roman). He is elected for life by the conclave (college of cardinals).

The Power of the Pope in the Church

In the Catholic Church, the pontiff has full power. It does not depend on the influence of any person.

He has the right to issue laws, called canons, which are binding on the church, to interpret and change them, even to cancel them. They are united in the codes of the First - 451st year.

In the church, the Pope also has apostolic authority. He controls the purity of the doctrine, carries out the dissemination of faith. He is authorized to convene a meeting and approve the decisions taken by him, to postpone or dissolve the council.

The pontiff has judicial power in the church. He considers cases as the first instance. It is forbidden to appeal the father's verdict in a secular court.

And, finally, as the highest executive power, he has the right to establish bishoprics and liquidate them, to appoint and remove bishops. He consecrates the saints and the blessed.

Sovereign papal authority. And this is very important, because the rule of law allows you to observe and maintain order.

Pope: list

The oldest of the lists is given in the treatise of Irenaeus of Lyon "Against Heresies" and ends in 189, when Pope Eleutherius died. It is recognized as reliable by most researchers.

The list of Eusebius, which was brought up to 304, when Pope Marcellinus completed his earthly journey, contains information about the time of accession of each of the pontiffs to the throne with the duration of their pontificates.

So who was awarded the title of "Pope"? The list with corrections in the Roman edition was compiled by Pope Liberius and appeared in his Catalogue. And here, in addition to the names of each bishop, starting with St. Peter, and the duration of the pontificates with the greatest possible accuracy (up to a day), there are other details, such as the dates of the consulates, the name of the emperor who ruled during these periods. Liberius himself died in 366.

The researchers note that the chronology of papal reigns up to 235 was obtained, for the most part, by calculations, and therefore their historical value is in doubt.

For a long time, the more authoritative of the lists was the Book of Popes, which contains descriptions up to and including Pope Honorius, who died in 1130. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Catalog of the Pope of Liberius became a source of information about the Popes of the early periods.

Is there an exact list of people who have been awarded the title of "Pope"? The list has been compiled by many historians. They were influenced by the developing history, as well as the author's point of view on the canonical legitimacy of this or that election or deposition. Moreover, the pontificates of the popes of antiquity usually began counting from the moment when they were ordained as bishops. With the later custom, which continued until the ninth century, when popes were crowned, the period of government began to be reckoned from the time of the coronation. And later, from the pontificate of Gregory VII - from the election, that is, from the moment when the Pope received the dignity. There were pontiffs who were elected, and even proclaimed themselves as such in spite of those who were canonically elected.

Popes are wicked

In the history of the Vatican, numbering more than 2000 years, there are not only white blank pages, and the Popes are far from always and not all the standards of virtue and the righteous. The Vatican recognized the pontiffs - thieves, lechers, usurpers, warmongers.

At all times, no Pope had the right to remain aloof from the politics of European countries. Perhaps that is why some of them used her methods, often quite cruel, and as the most impious, remained in the memory of their contemporaries.

• Stephen VI (VII - in separate sources).

They say that he did not just "inherit". On his initiative, in 897, a trial was held, which was later called the "corpse synod." He ordered the exhumation and brought to trial the corpse of Pope Formosus, who was not only his predecessor, but also an ideological opponent. The accused, or rather, the corpse of the pontiff, already half-decomposed, was seated on the throne and interrogated. It was a terrible court session. Pope Formosus was charged with treachery, and his election was declared invalid. And even this sacrilege seemed to the pontiff not enough, and the accused's fingers were cut off, and then dragged along the city streets. He was buried in a grave with strangers.

By the way, at that very time an earthquake happened, the Romans took it as a sign to overthrow the Pope, given to them from above.

• John XII.

The list of accusations is impressive: adultery, sale of church lands and privileges.

The fact of his adultery with many different women, among them his father's cohabitant and his own niece, is recorded in the chronicles of Liutprand of Cremona. Even life was deprived by the woman's husband, who found him in bed with her.

• Benedict IX.

He turned out to be the most cynical pontiff without any morality, "the devil from hell in the guise of a priest." In a far from complete list of his acts of rape, sodomy, organization of orgies.

It is also known about the attempts of the Pope to sell the throne, after which he again dreamed of power and planned to return to it.

• Urban VI.

He initiated the Schism in the Roman Catholic Church in 1378. For almost forty years those who fought for the throne were at enmity. He was a cruel man, a real despot.

• John XXII.

It was he who decided that you can make good money on the absolution of sins. Forgiveness for more serious sins cost more.

• Leo X.

A direct follower of the work begun by John XXII. He considered the "tariffs" low and requiring an increase. Now it turned out to be enough to pay off a large amount, and the sins of the murderer or the one who committed incest were easily forgiven.

• Alexander VI.

A man with a reputation as the most immoral and scandalous Pope. He earned such fame by debauchery and nepotism. He was called a poisoner and adulterer, even accused of incest. It is said that he even got the Pope's seat through bribery.

In fairness, it should be noted that there are enough unfounded rumors around his name.

Popes who were brutally murdered

The history of the church is rich in bloodshed. Many ministers of the Catholic Church became victims of brutal murders.

• October 64 Saint Peter.

Saint Peter, as the legend says, preferred to die a martyr's death, like his teacher Jesus. He expressed a desire to be crucified on the cross, only with his head down, and this, no doubt, increased the suffering. And after his death, he became revered as the first Pope.

• Saint Clement I.

(from 88 to 99)

There is a legend according to which, while in exile in the quarries, with the help of prayer, he practically performed a miracle. Where the prisoners were suffering from unbearable heat and thirst, a lamb appeared out of nowhere, and a spring gushed out of the ground in this very place. The ranks of Christians were replenished with those who witnessed the miracle, among them convicts, local residents. And Clement was executed by the guards, an anchor was tied to his neck and the corpse was thrown into the sea.

• Saint Stephen I.

Only 3 years he stayed as pontiff, when he had to fall victim to the strife that engulfed the Catholic Church. Right in the middle of a sermon, he was beheaded by soldiers who served the emperor Valerian, who was persecuting Christians. The throne, which was filled with his blood, was kept by the church until the 18th century.

• Sixtus II.

He repeated the fate of his predecessor, Stephen I.

• John VII.

By the way, he was the first among the Popes, born in a noble family. He was beaten to death by the woman's husband when he caught them in bed.

• John VIII.

He is considered almost the greatest figure in the history of the church. Historians associate his name, first of all, with a large number of political intrigues. And it is not surprising that he himself became their victim. It is known that he was poisoned and received a heavy blow to the head with a hammer. So it remained a mystery what was the true reason for his murder.

• Stephen VII.

(from May 896 to August 897)

Received notoriety for the trial of Pope Formosus. The "Corpse Synod" clearly did not receive the approval of supporters of Catholicism. In the end, he was imprisoned, where he was later executed.

• John XII.

He became a dad at eighteen. And for most, he was a leader, inspiring and pious. At the same time, he did not disdain theft and incest, he was a player. He is even credited with involvement in political assassinations. And he himself died at the hands of a jealous spouse, who found him and his wife in bed in his house.

• John XXI.

This pontiff is also known to the world as a scientist and philosopher. Philosophical and medical treatises came out from under his pen. He died some time after the collapse of the roof in the new wing of his palace in Italy, in his own bed, from his injuries.

About some representatives of the papacy

He had to lead the church during the Second World War. He chose a very cautious position in relation to Hitlerism. But on his orders, Catholic churches sheltered Jews. And how many representatives of the Vatican helped Jews escape from concentration camps by issuing them new passports. The Pope used all possible means of diplomacy for these purposes.

Pius XII never hid his anti-Sovietism. In the hearts of Catholics, he will remain the pope who proclaimed the dogma of the Ascension of Our Lady.

The pontificate of Pius XII ends the "epoch of Pius".

First Pope with a double name

The first Pope in history to choose a double name for himself, which he composed from the names of his two predecessors. John Paul I ingenuously admitted that he did not have the education of one and the wisdom of the other. But he wanted to continue their work.

He was nicknamed "Jolly Papa Curia" for constantly smiling, even laughing uninhibitedly, which was even unusual. Especially after a serious and gloomy predecessor.

Protocol etiquette became almost an unbearable burden for him. Even in the most solemn moments, he spoke very simply. Sincerely passed even his intronization. He refused the tiatre, walked to the altar on foot, did not sit down in the chesatorium, and the sounds of the choir replaced the cannon roar.

Only 33 days lasted his pontificate until he was overtaken by a myocardial infarction.

Pope Francis

(from 2013 to now)

First pontiff from the New World. This message was joyfully received by Catholics throughout the world. Gained fame as a brilliant orator and a talented leader. Pope Francis is smart and deeply educated. He is concerned about a variety of issues: from the possibility of a third world war to illegitimate children, from interethnic relations to sexual minorities. Pope Francis is a very modest man. He refuses from luxurious apartments, also from a personal chef, he doesn’t even use a “daddy mobile”.

Pilgrim dad

The Pope, the last one born in the 19th century, and the last one to be crowned with a tiara. This tradition was later abolished. He established the Synod of Bishops.

Because he condemned contraception and artificial birth control, he was accused of conservatism and retrograde. It was during his reign that the priests acquired the right to celebrate Mass facing the people.

And he was nicknamed "the pilgrim dad" for the fact that each of the five continents was personally visited.

Founder of the Catholic Action Movement

The Pope restored the old tradition, when from the balcony of the palace he addressed the faithful with a blessing. This was the first act of the pontiff. He became the founder of the movement "Catholic Action", designed to bring to life the principles of Catholicism. He established the feast of Christ the King and determined the principles of the doctrine of the family and marriage. He did not condemn democracy, as many of his predecessors did. It was under the Lateran Accords, signed by the Pope in February 1929, that the Holy See acquired sovereignty over a territory of 44 hectares, known to this day as the Vatican, a city-state with all its attributes: coat of arms and flag, banks and currency, telegraph, radio, newspaper, prison, etc.

The Pope has repeatedly condemned fascism. Only death prevented him from once again making an angry speech.

Conservative pontiff

He is considered a conservative pontiff. He categorically does not accept homosexuality, contraception and abortion, genetic experiments. He was against the ordination of women to the priesthood, homosexuals and married men. He turned Muslims against himself by speaking disrespectfully about the Prophet Muhammad. And although he later apologized for his words, mass protests among Muslims could not be avoided.

First Pope of a united Italy

He was a versatile and educated person. Dante quoted from memory, wrote poetry in Latin. He was the first to open access to some archives for those who study in Catholic educational institutions, but at the same time he left under his personal control the results of the research, their publication and content.

He became the first in united Italy. He died the same year that marked a quarter of a century since his election. A long-liver among popes lived for 93 years.

Gregory XVI

He had to take the throne when a revolutionary movement arose and grew in Italy, which was headed by the Pope, who reacted very negatively to the doctrine of liberalism promoted at that time in France, and condemned the December uprising in Poland. He died of cancer.

Everyone knows that the residence of the Pope is in Rome. But it was not always so. The king of France, Philip the Handsome, who was in conflict with the clergy, placed a new residence at the disposal of the popes in 1309 in Avignon. The "Avignon captivity" continued for about seventy years. Seven pontiffs have changed during this time. The papacy returned to Rome only in 1377.

The Pope has always sought to improve the relationship between Christianity and Islam and is known to all for his active actions in this direction. He was the first of the Popes to visit the mosque, and even prayed in it. And having completed the prayer, he kissed the Koran. It happened in 2001 in Damascus.

On traditional Christian icons, round halos are depicted above the heads of saints. But there are paintings on which halos of other shapes. As for example, triangular - with God the Father, symbolizing the Trinity. And the heads of the not yet dead Roman popes are decorated with rectangular halos.

The TV tower in Berlin has a stainless steel ball. In the bright rays of the sun, a cross is reflected on it. This fact has given rise to several witty nicknames, and "the Pope's revenge" is one of them.

On the throne of the Pope is a cross, but upside down. It is known that such a symbol is used by Satanists, it is also found in black metal bands. But the Catholics know him in quality. Indeed, it was on the inverted cross that he wished to be crucified, considering it unworthy for himself to die, like his Teacher.

Pushkin's "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish" in Russia is known to everyone, adults and children. But does everyone know that there is another one called "The Fisherman and His Wife" and created by her famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm. At the Russian poet, the old woman returned to nothing when she wished to become a mistress of the sea. But at the Grimms, she became the Pope. When she wished to become God, she was left with nothing.

In the Middle Ages, there was a struggle for primacy between the spiritual and secular authorities. Emperors actively participated in the selection. The Hundred Years' War in France and the church schism weakened the influence of the pope. It was not until 1929 that the Pope was given back the power to govern the Vatican City State.

In modern times, the choice of the pope takes place at a meeting of cardinals. The Camerlengo, who is temporary head of the College of Cardinals, announces the death of his predecessor. A conclave is called and a new pope is elected. Until the pontiff is declared, the Collegium manages the affairs. The elected dad changes his name and selects a number. For example, Julius I.

List of the last popes, years of reign (beginning)

1. Julius II - 1503 The first pope to be embalmed.

   

2. Leo X - 1513 At the time of his election, he did not have holy orders. Died at the age of 45.

   

3. Adrian VI - 1522 Fought against the Reformation.

   

4. Clement VII - 1523 The pontificate had many mistakes and failures.

   

5. Paul III - 1534 Supported and developed the sciences. He trusted astrologers and consulted with them every time he made an important decision.

   

6. Julius III - 1550 Resumed holidays and carnivals in Rome.

   

7. Marcellus II - 1555. He spoke Latin, Greek and Italian. He was very erudite. He knew mathematics, architecture, astronomy and much more.

   

8. Paul IV - 1555 The oldest pope at the time of his election.

   

9. Pius IV - 1559 Benevolent and sincere. He founded the first theological seminaries.

   

10. Pius V - 1566 A stern personality leading an ascetic lifestyle. Allowed torture and punishment.

    

11. Gregory XIII - 1572 The last pope to have illegitimate children. Introduced the Gregorian calendar.

    

12. Sixtus V - 1585. He fought against banditry, drained the swamps, put the streets and squares in order, built fountains.

    

13. Urban VII - 1590 Struggled with smoking, died of malaria. The shortest term (13 days).

    

14. Gregory XIV - 1590 Was quiet and sickly.

    

15. Innocent IX - 1591 Supported the policy of the Spanish King Philip II.

    

16. Clement VIII - 1592 Wise statesman. Blessed coffee and contributed to the spread of the drink in Europe.

    

17. Leo XI - 1605 Nicknamed "Papa Lightning". He stayed at the head of the church for 28 days.

    

18. Paul V - 1605 Started his career as a lawyer. Strict and resolute, he defended the privileges of the church, sought to preserve the unity of the structure.

    

19. Gregory XV - 1621 Issued a bull against magicians and witches. Papal elections were held by secret ballot.

    

20. Urban VIII - 1623 Elegant and reasonable, had a refined taste. He patronized poets, financed the work of sculptors and artists.

    

21. Innocent X – 1644 Denounced Jansenism.

    

22. Alexander VII - 1655 Showed interest in architectural projects, which later became masterpieces of the Baroque era.

    

23. Clement IX - 1667 He treated people kindly, distributed alms to the poor. Assisted in the construction of a musical theater.

    

24. Clement X - 1670 Called to love each other, daily proving devotion to the Almighty through trust, generosity and prudence.

    

25. Innocent XI - 1676. He was engaged in charitable activities, helping the population during floods and plague. Banned gambling. Lived modestly.

    

26. Alexander VIII - 1689 Returned Avignon.
27. Innocent XII - 1691 The last pope to wear a beard. Destroyed the practice of nepotism.

    

28. Clement XI - 1700 Received a doctorate in law (canonical and civil). Subtle diplomat and peacemaker. During the reign, the Academy of Painting and Sculpture appeared.

    

29. Innocent XIII - 1721 The reign is calm and prosperous.

    

30. Benedict XIII - 1724 An ascetic in life, he did not know how to manage. Opened the Spanish Steps, was the founder of the University of Camerino.

    

31. Clement XII - 1730 The 78-year-old pope, blind and ill, ran renovation programs, built a port, and campaigned for the reunification of the Roman and Orthodox churches.

    

32. Benedict XIV - 1740 Patronized scientists and artists.

    

33. Clement XIII - 1758 Opponent of the Enlightenment. Indecisive and insecure.

    

34. Clement XIV - 1769 Adopted a position of reconciliation between the secular and ecclesiastical authorities. Eliminated the order of the Jesuits.

    

35. Pius VI - 1775 Speech against the French Revolution contributed to the loss of Avignon and the county of Venessin.

    

36. Pius VII - 1800 The agreement signed with Napoleon assumed the possibility of the state interfering in the activities of the church (finances, lands).

    

37. Leo XII - 1823 Noble and modest. Could not appreciate the events of his time.

    

38. Pius VIII - 1829 Recognized mixed marriages (Catholics and Protestants). Was poisoned.

    

39. Gregory XVI - 1831 He was the last non-bishop to be elected pope.

    

40. Pius IX - 1846 Proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

    

41. Leo XIII - 1878 Doctor of theology, published 88 encyclicals.

    

42. Pius X - 1903 Issued a decree that stated that children were allowed to take communion at the age of 7 (instead of 14).

    

If you analyze the list, you can see the short terms of government. This is due to pain, old age. Some of them, accepting the honorable duty to be at the head, sometimes did not understand the essence of their activities. But the wise, literate and far-sighted left a noticeable mark in history and religion. Honor and praise to those who thought about the development of the state, carrying out reforms and issuing special laws of honor.

The 266th Pope is a non-standard personality. He first chose the name Francis. He has a degree in chemical engineering. I didn't come to church right away. Fascinated by the humanities and having received a degree in philosophy, Jorge taught at the college. In his free time, he visited nightclubs and followed discipline.

Not embarrassed by the work of a laboratory assistant and cleaner, José gradually approached the clergy. Leadership skills helped to achieve the set goals. Living modestly in a small apartment, the future dad wanted to achieve justice and equality. When, according to the status of a cardinal, he was entitled to a personal limousine with a driver, the choice was clear - to refuse.

The conclave convened in 2013, after the abdication of Benedict XVI, proclaimed the name of the next pope. It turned out to be Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The decision of the majority of the Argentine bishops showed the prestige of the applicant at the international level. Francis was the first pope from the New World.

The motto for the coat of arms was a line from Matthew, which prompted a seventeen-year-old boy to desire to live according to the commandments of Christ and lead people. It spoke of simple truths: to be useful to everyone, to endure insults, to avoid petty honors, not to seek one's own benefit and glory.

Popes, list and years of reign - for many, this information will seem tedious and irrelevant. But to analyze the activities of the heads of the Catholic Church and simply to identify the special features of the leading personalities is sometimes useful and instructive.

List of popes buried in St. Peter's Basilica. Marble slab at the entrance to the sacristy in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Note: Only in 384 ... ... Wikipedia

- ... Wikipedia

- (lat. connection) the merger of the Orthodox and Catholic confessions, and, on the one hand, the primacy of the pope, purgatory, the presence of the Holy Spirit and from the Son are recognized, on the other hand, the marriage of white clergy and worship in their native language is allowed, with ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE- BIBLIOGRAPHY [from Greek. βιβλίον book and γράφω writing] THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE, information about publications related to the complex of scientific theological disciplines. The term "bibliography" appeared in Dr. Greece and originally meant "rewriting books". ... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

- (Belarusian Belarusian prozvishchy) were formed in the context of the all-European process. The oldest of them date back to the end of the XIV - beginning of the XV century, when the territory of Belarus was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, multi-ethnic and ... ... Wikipedia

- (Latin Patrology) a collection of works by Latin-speaking Christian authors, including 217 huge volumes, the first part of the Complete Course of Patrology (Patrologiae Cursus Completus), the second part of Patrologia Graeca. Published by Abbot Minem ... ... Wikipedia

- (from λιτός general and εργον business) the name of the most important of Christian services, which exists, although not in the same form and meaning, for all Christian denominations and expresses the main ideas of the Christian worldview and the main goals ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Buried: ((#property:p119)) Dynasty: ((#property:p53)) Father: Alberich II of Spolet Mother: Alda of Arles Autograph:

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John XII(in the world Octavian Tuscolo) (lat. Johns P.P. XII; (0937 ) - May 14) - Pope from December 16 to December 4, 963. Son of Alberich II, patrician of Rome, and Alda of Arles, daughter of Hugh of Arles, maternal 7th generation descendant of Charlemagne, grandson of Marozia, last pope of the pornocracy period.

Shortly before his death in 954, Alberich obliged the Roman nobility in St. Peter's to take an oath that after the liberation of the papal throne, Octavian, who had already taken the rank, would take it. After the death of Alberich, Octavian succeeded him as the secular ruler of Rome, being at the age of 17-24.

With the death of Agapitus II in November 955, Octavian, who by then was cardinal of the church of Santa Maria Domnica, was chosen as his successor on December 16, 955. He took the name of John XII, uniting secular and spiritual authority over Rome. It is curious that he signed directives on secular government with the name Octavian, and papal bulls with the name John.

Beginning of the pontificate

John glorified the papal throne with all sorts of vices and crimes, so that his pious contemporaries considered him the incarnation of the devil. John XII is considered the most immoral pope, not only of that time, but in the entire history of the church. John had a huge impact on the church: he was the first to prove that, in the eyes of the church, real power depends on the position held, and not on the person.

John soon discovered that he was unable to control the powerful Roman nobility as his father had. At the same time, Berengar II, King of Italy, laid claim to papal possessions. In order to protect himself from political intrigues in Rome and the claims of Berengar, in the year John asked for help from Otto I the Great, who had previously been awarded the title of Roman patrician. At the invitation of the pope, the German king entered Italy in the year. Berengar retreated to his fortresses, and Otto triumphantly entered Rome on January 31st. There he met with John and swore that he would do everything to protect the pope:

However, in the words of Horace K. Mann, "Church affairs had little attraction for John XII."

Conflict with Otto

The papal envoys were captured by Otto I, who sent a deputation to Rome to find out what was going on behind his back. John at the same time sent his envoys, including the future Pope Leo VIII, to Otto to appease the emperor. However, in 963, Otto learned that Adalbert was allowed to enter Rome to negotiate with the pope. Once Berengar was defeated and imprisoned, Otto returned to Rome and besieged it in the summer of 963. He found the city divided: the emperor's supporters, having learned of the coming of Adalbert, fortified themselves in Ioannispolis, a fortified section of Rome centered on the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura. John and his supporters, meanwhile, controlled most of the old city. Initially, John was going to defend the city. Donning his armor, he helped hold off Otto's troops as they tried to cross the Tiber. However, he quickly realized that he could not defend the city, and fled to Tivoli with the papal treasury and Adalbert.

Otto I demanded that John come to him for an explanation. John responded by threatening excommunication to anyone who tried to overthrow him. Not afraid, on December 4, 963, the emperor convened a synod and overthrew John, who by this time had retired to the mountains of Campania. Leo VIII was elected to replace John.

An attempted uprising in support of John was put down with great loss even before Otto left the city. When the emperor left, John XII returned to the city at the head of a large retinue of supporters and servants, as a result of which Leo VIII was forced to flee to the emperor for safety. Entering Rome in February 964, John convened a synod that recognized his deposition as uncanonical. After capturing some of his enemies, he again became the ruler of Rome. The dispatch of Otgar, Bishop of Speyer, to the emperor to negotiate a compromise proved already untimely: John XII died on May 14, 964. According to Liutprand of Cremona, he died while making love outside of Rome, either as a result of a stroke or at the hands of an offended husband. There is a legend that John died because Satan "knocked him on the head", which is also a medieval metaphor for apoplexy.

John XII was buried in the Lateran Palace.

Character and reputation

In the sources, John is traditionally characterized primarily as the secular ruler of Rome, rather than as a spiritual leader. He was portrayed as a rude, immoral man who turned the Lateran Palace into a brothel. At the same time, his political enemies used accusations of debauchery to denigrate his reputation and hide the political aspects of his deposition.

Liutprand of Cremona, a supporter of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, gives an account of the accusations brought against John at the Synod in the year:

“Then, standing up, Cardinal Peter testified that he himself saw how John XII led Mass without taking communion. John, Bishop of Narni, and John, Cardinal Deacon, confessed that they themselves saw how a deacon was ordained in the stable. Benedict, the cardinal-deacon, with other priests said that they knew about the facts of the consecration of bishops by the pope for bribes ... they testified to his adulteries: he committed adultery with the widow Renier, with the servant of Father Stephen, with the widow Anna and with his own niece, and he turned the sacred palace into a brothel They said that he blinded his confessor Benedict, and after that Benedict died, that he killed John, the cardinal subdeacon, after his castration... All the clergy, as well as the laity, declared that he drank wine with the devil. They said that when playing dice, he invoked Jupiter, Venus and other idols. They even said that he did not celebrate matins and did not make the sign of the cross"

However, other contemporaries and subsequent historians also accused John of immoral behavior. Thus, the ardent critic of the papacy, Louis-Marie Decormenin, wrote:

The historian Ferdinand Gregorovius was somewhat more sympathetic to John:

Even the papal apologist Horace Mann was forced to admit:

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Notes

Literature

• Korelin M. S.,. John, Popes // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
• Chamberlin, Russell, The Bad Popes. Sutton Publishing (2003), p. 955–963
• 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)
• Norwich, John Julius, The Popes: A History (2011)

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Excerpt characterizing John XII (Pope)

“Are they right here, on this ‘floor’…?” I couldn’t believe it.
Stella again sadly nodded her head, and I decided I would not ask again, so as not to stir up her bright, kind soul.
We walked along an unusual road that appeared and disappeared as we stepped on it. The road shimmered softly and seemed to lead, showing the way, as if knowing where we had to go... There was a pleasant feeling of freedom and lightness, as if the whole world around us had suddenly become completely weightless.
Why does this road show us where to go? - I could not stand it.
She doesn't point, she helps. - The little girl answered. “Everything here is made up of thought, remember? Even the trees, the sea, roads, flowers - everyone hears what we think. This is a truly pure world... probably what people used to call Paradise... You can't cheat here.
- And where is Hell then? .. Does it also exist?
Oh, I'll definitely show you! This is the lower "floor" and there is SUCH!!!... - Stella twitched her shoulders, apparently remembering something not very pleasant.
We were still moving on, and then I noticed that the surroundings began to change little by little. Transparency began to disappear somewhere, giving way to a much more “dense”, earth-like landscape.
What's going on, where are we? I got worried.
- It's all right there. The little girl answered calmly. – Only now we are already in the part that is simpler. Remember we just talked about this? Here, for the most part, those who have just arrived. When they see such a landscape similar to their usual one, it is easier for them to perceive their “transition” to this world, new to them... Well, and also, those who live here do not want to be better than they are, and do not willing to make the slightest effort to achieve something higher.
– So, this “floor” consists of two parts, as it were? – I specified.
- You can say that. - The girl answered thoughtfully, and suddenly moved on to another topic - Something no one here pays any attention to us. Do you think they're not here?
After looking around, we stopped, not having the slightest idea what to do next.
– Shall we risk “lower”? Stella asked.
I felt that the baby was tired. Yes, and I was also very far from my best form. But I was almost sure that she was not going to give up, so I nodded in response.
- Well, then we need to prepare a little ... - biting her lip and seriously concentrating, the warlike Stella said. – Do you know how to put yourself a strong defense?
- Seems Yes. But I don't know how strong it will be. - I answered shyly. I really didn't want to let her down right now.
“Show me,” the girl asked.
I realized that this was not a whim, and that she was just trying to help me. Then I tried to concentrate and made my green “cocoon”, which I always made for myself when I needed serious protection.
- Wow! .. - Stella opened her eyes in surprise. - Well, let's go then.
This time our flight down was far from being as pleasant as the previous one... For some reason, my chest was very squeezed and it was hard to breathe. But little by little it all seemed to level out, and I stared in surprise at the eerie landscape that opened up to us ...
The heavy, blood-red sun sparingly illuminated the dim, purple-brown silhouettes of distant mountains ... Deep cracks crawled along the ground like giant snakes, from which a dense, dark orange fog escaped and, merging with the surface, became like a bloody shroud . Everywhere wandered strange, as if restless, essences of people who looked very dense, almost physical ... They either appeared or disappeared, not paying any attention to each other, as if they saw no one but themselves and lived only in their own, closed from the rest, the world. In the distance, not yet approaching, dark figures of some monstrous beasts sometimes appeared. There was a sense of danger, it smelled of horror, I wanted to run away from here headlong, without turning back ...
Are we in hell right now? I asked, horrified by what I saw.
“But you wanted to see what it looked like, so you did.” Stella replied with a tight smile.
It felt like she was expecting some kind of trouble. Yes, and nothing else but trouble, here, in my opinion, simply could not be ...
– And you know, sometimes there are good beings here who just made big mistakes. And to be honest, I feel very sorry for them... Can you imagine waiting here for your next incarnation?!. Horror!
No, I couldn't imagine it, and I didn't want to. And there was no smell of the same goodness here.
- But you're not right! The little girl overheard my thoughts again. “Sometimes, really, very good people get here, and they pay dearly for their mistakes... I really feel sorry for them...”
“Do you really think that our missing boy also ended up here ?!. He certainly did not have time to do anything so bad. Do you hope to find him here?.. Do you think this is possible?
- Watch out!!! Stella suddenly screamed wildly.
I was flattened on the ground like a big frog, and I just had time to feel as if a huge, terribly stinking one had fallen on me. mountain... Something was puffing, champing and snorting, radiating the disgusting smell of rot and rotten meat. My stomach almost turned out - it’s good that we “walked” here only as entities, without physical bodies. Otherwise, I would probably have had the most unpleasant troubles .....
- Get out! Well get out!!! squealed the frightened girl.
But, unfortunately, it was easier said than done... The fetid carcass fell on me with all the terrible weight of its huge body and, apparently, was already ready to feast on my fresh vitality... I couldn’t get rid of it, and panic was already treacherously squeaking in my soul, compressed by fear ...
- Come on! Stella shouted again. Then she suddenly hit the monster with some kind of bright beam and again shouted: “Run!!!
I felt that it became a little easier, and with all my might energetically pushed the carcass hanging over me. Stella ran around and fearlessly beat the already weakening horror from all sides. I somehow got out, gasping for air out of habit, and was truly horrified by what I saw! .. Directly in front of me lay a huge spiked carcass, all covered with some kind of sharply stinking mucus, with a huge, curved horn on a wide, warty head .
- Let's run! Stella screamed again. - He's still alive!
It was as if I was blown away by the wind ... I did not remember at all where I was carried ... But, I must say, it was carried very quickly.
“Well, you’re running around ...” the little girl squeezed out of breath, barely pronouncing the words.
– Oh, please forgive me! I exclaimed, ashamed. - You screamed so much that I rushed with fright wherever my eyes looked ...
“Well, nevermind, we’ll be more careful next time.” Stella calmed down.
My eyes popped out of my head at that statement!
- And what, will there be another “next” time ??? Hoping for a no, I cautiously asked.
- Well, of course! They do live here! - the brave girl “reassured” me in a friendly way.
“Then what are we doing here?”
“We're saving someone, haven't you forgotten? Stella was genuinely surprised.
And I, apparently, from all this horror, our "rescue expedition" completely flew out of my head. But I immediately tried to get myself together as quickly as possible so as not to show Stella that I was really, really scared.
- Don't think, after the first time, my braids stood on end all day! - the little girl said more cheerfully.
I just wanted to kiss her! Somehow, seeing that I was ashamed of my weakness, she managed to make me immediately feel good again.
“Do you really think that little Leah’s dad and brother could be here?..” I asked her again, surprised from the bottom of my heart.
- Certainly! They could just be stolen. - Stella answered quite calmly.
How to steal? And who?..
But the baby did not have time to answer ... Something worse than our first "acquaintance" jumped out from behind the dense trees. It was something incredibly nimble and strong, with a small but very powerful body, every second throwing out a strange sticky "net" from its hairy belly. We didn’t even have time to utter a word, when both of them got into it together ... Stella, with a fright, became like a small disheveled owlet - her big blue eyes looked like two huge saucers, with splashes of horror in the middle.
I had to urgently come up with something, but for some reason my head was completely empty, no matter how hard I tried to find something sensible there ... And the “spider” (we will continue to call it that, for lack of a better one) in the meantime is quite dragged us, apparently, to his nest, preparing to "supper" ...
– Where are the people? Almost suffocating, I asked.
- Oh, you saw - there are a lot of people here. More than anywhere... But they are, for the most part, worse than these beasts... And they won't help us.
- And what do we do now? - mentally "chattering my teeth," I asked.
“Remember when you showed me your first monsters, you hit them with a green beam? - already again with might and main mischievously sparkling eyes, (again, recovering faster than me!), Stella asked fervently. - Let `s together?..
I realized that, fortunately, she was still going to give up. And I decided to try, because we still had nothing to lose ...
But we didn’t have time to hit, because at that moment the spider stopped abruptly and we, feeling a strong push, flopped to the ground with all our might ... Apparently, he dragged us to his home much earlier than we expected ...
We found ourselves in a very strange room (if, of course, it could be called that). It was dark inside, and complete silence reigned ... There was a strong smell of mold, smoke and the bark of some unusual tree. And only from time to time some faint sounds were heard, similar to groans. As if the "suffering" had no strength left at all ...
- Can't you light it up somehow? – I quietly asked Stella.
“I already tried, but for some reason it doesn’t work ...” the little girl answered in the same whisper.
And right in front of us, a tiny fire lit up.
“That's all I can do here. - The girl sighed sadly.
In such a dim, sparse light, she looked very tired and seemed to have matured. I kept forgetting that this amazing miracle child was only five years old! she is still a very tiny girl, who at the moment should have been terribly scared. But she courageously endured everything, and was even going to fight...
- Look who's here. the little girl whispered.
And peering into the darkness, I saw strange “shelves” on which, like in a dryer, people were lying.
- Mom? .. Is that you, mom ??? – quietly whispered a surprised thin voice. - How did you find us?
At first I did not understand that the child was talking to me. Having completely forgotten why we came here, I only then realized that they were asking me specifically when Stella pushed me hard with her fist in the side.
“But we don’t know what their names are!” I whispered.
Leah, what are you doing here? – sounded already male voice.
- I'm looking for you, daddy. - Stella mentally answered in Leah's voice.
– How did you get here? I asked.
“Surely, just like you ...” was the quiet answer. – We were walking along the shore of the lake, and did not see that there was some kind of “failure” ... So we fell there. And there this beast was waiting... What are we going to do?
- Leave. I tried to answer as calmly as possible.
– And the rest? Do you want to leave them all? Stella whispered.
“No, of course I don’t! But how are you going to get them out of here?
Then some strange, round hole opened and a viscous, red light blinded his eyes. Head squeezed with ticks and deathly wanted to sleep ...
- Hold on! Just don't sleep! Stella screamed. And I realized that it had some kind of strong effect on us. Apparently, this terrible creature needed us completely weak-willed so that he could freely perform some kind of his own “ritual”.
“We can’t do anything ...” Stella muttered to herself. - Well, why doesn't it work? ..
And I thought she was absolutely right. We were both just kids who, without thinking, embarked on very life-threatening journeys, and now did not know how to get out of it all.
Suddenly Stella took off our superimposed "images" and we again became ourselves.
- Oh, where is mom? Who are you?... What did you do to your mother?! the boy hissed indignantly. "Get her back immediately!"
I really liked his fighting spirit, bearing in mind the hopelessness of our situation.
“The thing is, your mother wasn’t here,” Stella whispered softly. - We met your mother where you "fell" here from. They are very worried about you, because they cannot find you, so we offered to help. But, as you can see, we weren't careful enough, and ended up in the same terrible situation...