Leo VI

Pope Leo VI (880 – 12 February 929) was the 123rd bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States for just over seven months, from June 928 to his death in February 929. His pontificate occurred during the period known as the Saeculum obscurum.

Family and early career Leo VI was born into a Roman family, and his father was Christophorus, who had been primicerius under Pope John VIII around the year 876. Tradition has it that he was a member of the Sanguini family. Before his pontificate, Leo served as the cardinal-priest of Santa Susanna.

Pontificate Leo was elected pope around June 928, during a period of anarchy.

During his brief pontificate, Leo confirmed the decisions of the Synod of Spalato. Leo then banned castrati from marrying. He also issued an appeal for help against the Arab raiders who were threatening Rome, stating that: ”Whoever died faithful in this struggle will not see himself refused entry into the heavenly kingdom.”

The chronicler Flodoard said of him: ”Through the virtue of Peter, Leo the sixth was taken and received, he was preserved for seven months and five days, and like his predecessors, he joined the company of the prophets.”

Leo died in February 929, and was succeeded by Stephen VII. He was buried at St. Peter’s Basilica.