Pope Leo VII

Infobox Pope
English name=Leo VII


birth_name=???
term_start=January 3, 936
term_end=July 13, 939
predecessor=John XI
successor=Stephen VIII
birth_date=Unknown
dead=dead|death_date=death date|939|7|13|mf=y
other=Leo

Leo VII (died July 13, 939), Pope from January 3, 936 until his death in 939, was preceded by Pope John XI (931–935), and followed by Pope Stephen VIII (939–942). [9th edition (1880s) of the Encyclopædia Britannica] Leo VII's election to the papacy was secured by Alberic II of Spoleto, the monarch in Rome. Alberic wanted to choose the pope so that the papacy would continue to yield to his authority. Leo was the priest of St. Sixtus in Rome, thought to be a Benedictine monk. He had little ambition towards the papacy, but consented under pressure.

As pope, Leo VII reigned for only three years. Most of his bulls were grants of privilege to monasteries, especially including the Abbey of Cluny. [ [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09160a.htm "Pope Leo VII"] from New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia] Leo called for Odo of Cluny to mediate between Alberic and Hugh of Italy, Alberic's stepfather, the King of Italy. Odo was successful in negotiating a truce after arranging a marriage between Hugh's daughter Alda and Alberic. Leo VII also appointed Frederick, Archbishop of Mainz as a reformer in Germany. Leo allowed Frederick to drive out Jews that refused to be baptized, but he did not endorse the forced baptism of Jews. ["Popes Through The Ages" by Joseph Brusher S. J.]

After his death in July of 939, Leo VII was interred at St. Peter's Basilica.

References

* [http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/01_01_0936-0939-_Leo_VII.html Opera Omnia by Migne Patrologia Latina with analytical indexes]