'John XIII' of 'Crescenzi' family (born in
Rome; died
September 6,
972) served as
Pope from
October 1,
965 until his death. He was one of the few Popes to not change his name on his accession.
He spent his career in the papal court. He was elected Pope John XIII five months after the death of
Pope Leo VIII (963–965), as a compromise candidate, with the agreement of
Emperor Otto I (936–973). John XIII's behaviour and foreign backing made him disliked in
Rome. There was a revolt resulting in his temporary banishment occurring in December 965, though John XIII would later return in November
966.
After John XIII's restoration he worked with the Emperor on ecclesiastical improvements, including the creation of the
Archbishopric of Magdeburg.
On Christmas
967, John XIII crowned Otto I's son
Otto II (973–983) as co-Emperor. Otto II was afterwards married to the niece of the
Byzantine Emperor John I Tzimisces (969–976), as part of the ongoing attempt to reconcile Eastern and Western Churches. John XIII created new Latin archbishoprics in southern
Italy, thus reducing the influence of the
Byzantine Empire and
Eastern Orthodox Church there.
It is also believed that John XIII died of the same circumstances as the previous Pope John is rumoured to have fallen victim to (murder by the husband of one of his adulterous lovers).
See also
★
Crescenzi family
★ Catholic Encyclopedia