Antipope Gregory VI

Antipope

Gregory VI
Papacy beganJune 1012
Papacy endedc. 25 December 1012
PredecessorRoman claimant:
Sergius IV
Benedict VIII
Antipapal claimant:
John XVI
SuccessorRoman claimant:
Benedict VIII
Antipapal claimant:
Benedict X
Opposed toPope Benedict VIII

On the death of Pope Sergius IV in June 1012, "a certain Gregory" opposed the party of the Theophylae (which elected Pope Benedict VIII against him), and had himself made pope, seemingly by a small faction.[1] Gregory VI was the first to claim to be pope as successor to Sergius IV, and that Benedict VIII's claim was subsequent.

Promptly expelled from Rome, Gregory made his way to Germany, and craved the support of the Emperor Henry II (25 December 1012). That monarch, however, after promising him that his case should be carefully examined in accordance with canon law and Roman custom, took away from him the papal insignia which he was wearing, and bade him cease to act as pope in the meanwhile. After this, history knows the "certain Gregory" no more.[1]

Of Benedict VIII, the Catholic Encyclopedia says:

he was, though a layman, imposed on the chair of Peter by force, on May 18, 1012. Nevertheless, dislodging a rival, he became a good and strong ruler ...[2]

  1. ^ a b  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainMann, Horace Kinder (1907). "Gregory VI (Antipope)". In Herbermann, Charles (ed.). Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
  2. ^ Mann, Horace Kinder (1911). "Pope Benedict VIII" . In Herbermann, Charles (ed.). Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company.