15 other Benedicts

* Benedict I (?--579): needed imperial confirmation to become pope...ruled during Lombard invasion of Rome...received piece of "true cross";

* St. Benedict II (?--685): Roman...was pope when mandate that papal elections be imperially ratified was removed...opposed the heresy of Monothelitism;

* Benedict III (?--858): worked to preserve rights of Holy See against intrusion of secular governments...elected opposite an antipope;

* Benedict IV (?--903): known as a generous man...Roman...at his death, the papacy became the object of party strife;

* Benedict V (?--966?): deacon of Rome noted for virtue and learning...stripped of his papal post by the emperor Otto I...died in Hamburg, Germany;

* Benedict VI (?--974): chosen as pope by Emperor Otto I...taken prisoner by nobility of Rome during installation of an antipope...executed in prison;

* Benedict VII (?--983): bishop of Sutri...worked for conversion of Slavic peoples...condemned simony;

* Benedict VIII (?--1024): statesman...reformer...condemned simony and non-celibate priests;

* Benedict IX (?--1045): elected pope near age 30...two uncles were also popes;

* Benedict X (ca. 1059): proclaimed pope by Roman aristocracy but not recognized by cardinals...fled Rome when replaced by election of Nicholas II;

* Blessed Benedict XI (1240-1304): son of a notary...distinguished Bible scholar...elected pope on first ballot;

* Benedict XII (?--1342): battled heresies as a bishop...held doctorate in theology...former abbot;

* Benedict XIII (1649--1730): Italian nobleman...abandoned a large inheritance to become a priest...philosopher...champion of religious orders;

* Benedict XIV (1675--1758): expert in canon law...visited remote villages...known for living simply;

* Benedict XV (1854--1922): scholar...diplomat...opposed Modernism...called for peace among nations, social classes and within the Church.

(Reported by Karen Dietlein, staff writer.)

(4/21/05)