Pope Benedict VIII
Benedict VIII | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
Benedict (fifth from right) crowning Henry II Holy Roman Emperor, c. 1400 | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 18 May 1012 |
| Papacy ended | 9 April 1024 |
| Predecessor | Sergius IV |
| Successor | John XIX |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Theophylact of Tusculum (Italian: Teofilatto di Toscolo) c. 980 |
| Died | 9 April 1024 Rome, Papal States |
| Other popes named Benedict | |
Pope Benedict VIII (Latin: Benedictus VIII; c. 980 – 9 April 1024) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 18 May 1012 until 1024. He was born Theophylact of Tusculum to the noble family of the counts of Tusculum. Unusually for a medieval pope, he had strong authority both in Rome and abroad.
Theophylact was born to Count Gregory I of Tusculum. The family had already produced three popes: John XI (r. 931–935), John XII (r. 955–964), and Benedict VII (r. 973–974). Theophylact became pope on 18 May 1012 and took the name Benedict VIII.