Leo VIII

Such were the elements of the factions, which revolted with John XII. which nominated Benedict V. and which repelled, as far as in their power, Leo VIII. and John XIII.

This menace did not impede the council assembled by Otho, from deposing John XII, and electing Leo VIII., notwithstanding some nobles attached to the family of Alberic excited two seditions, one under the very eyes of the emperor, the other immediately after his departure.

We may, however, assert in this place, that though the authenticity of this text be not very rigororously insisted on, the testimony of contemporary historians127 invariably proves, that Otho obliged Leo VIII. to subscribe an explicit recognition of the imperial rights.

Leo VIII. and Benedict V. died in 965; the commissioners of Otho caused the election of John XIII. but the Romans revolted against this new pope, and banished him.

Leo VIII. installed the 6th Dec. 963, died 17th March, 965 133.