Pope John XII

Pope John XII
Bishop of Rome
Miniature of John XII from the Codex Palatinus Germanicus, (c. 1450, Heidelberg University Library)
Church	Catholic Church
Papacy began	16 December 955
Papacy ended	14 May 964
Predecessor	Agapetus II
Successor	Benedict V
Personal details
Born	Octavianus c. 930/937 Rome, Papal States
Died	14 May 964 (aged c. 27–34) Rome, Papal States
Other popes named John

Pope John XII (Latin: Ioannes XII; c. 930/937 – 14 May 964), born Octavian, was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 16 December 955 to his death in 964. He was related to the counts of Tusculum, a powerful Roman family which had dominated papal politics for over half a century. He became pope in his late teenage years or early twenties. In 960, he clashed with the Lombards to the south. Unable to control Rome easily, he sought help from King Otto I of Germany and crowned him emperor. John XII's pontificate became infamous for the alleged depravity and worldliness with which he conducted his office. He soon fell out with Otto, but died before Otto could succeed in his attempt to depose him.