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Pope Benedict IV (Latin: Benedictus IV) was Pope from 1 February 900 to his death in 903. The tenth-century historian Flodoard, who nicknamed him "the Great", commended his noble birth and public generosity. He succeeded Pope John IX (898–900) and was followed by Pope Leo V (903).
Benedict was a native of Rome, the son of one Mammalus, and was ordained priest by Pope Formosus. In 900, he excommunicated Baldwin II of Flanders for murdering Fulk, Archbishop of Reims. In 901, Benedict crowned Louis of Provence, grandson of Louis II as Holy Roman Emperor. In 902, Berengar of Friuli defeated Louis III and forced him to leave Italy.
Benedict died in Rome during the summer of 903; it is possible that Berengar had some involvement. Benedict was buried in front of St Peter's Basilica, by the gate of Guido. |
