Pope Benedict IX
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Pope Benedict IX, born Theophylact of Tusculum in Rome, was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States for three periods between October 1032 and July 1048. Aged about 20 when first elected, he
Grant of Robert II of France in favour of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Coulombs (Coulombs, Eure-et-Loir), also signed by Benedict IX
Gravestone of Benedict IX, located at the Abbey of Grottaferrata
19th-century religious card depicting Benedict IX
19th-century illustration of the Council of Sutri
Pope Damasus II
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Pope Damasus II was the Bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 17 July 1048 to his death on 9 August that same year. He was the second of the German pontiffs nominated by Emperor Henry III.
Pope Benedict IX
…seized the Lateran Palace in November, again becoming pope, but was driven away by German troops in July 1048. To fill the power vacuum, the German-born Damasus II was elected pope and universally recognized as such. Benedict IX refused to appear on charges of simony in 1049 and was excommunicated. Benedict IX's…
Plaque in Pildenau marking Damasus II's birthplace
Sarcophagus believed to have been used for Damasus II in San Lorenzo fuori le Mura.