Alberic II of Spoleto

Alberic II (died 954) was princeps of Rome from 932 to 954. He controlled the papacy during his reign and the five popes after Pope John XI were appointed by him. A member of the House of Theophylact, Alberic was the father of Pope John XII and multiple other popes were descended from Alberic.

Born to Marozia and Alberic I of Spoleto, Alberic was held in a lower regard by his mother when compared to his brother Pope John XI. Alberic gained power in Rome after deposing his mother and his stepfather Hugh of Italy in 932. Alberic's title of princeps was recognised by Emperor Constantine VII of the Byzantine Empire.

Rome was peaceful during Alberic's reign and he was noted for his reconstruction of monasteries. His control over the papacy was so strong that Pope Marinus II would not act without Alberic's command and Pope Stephen VIII was imprisoned and tortured by Alberic. Alberic secured the appointment of his son as pope before dying in 954.