Leo VII

The early years

Roman , belonged to the Order of the Benedictines .

In 932 , power in Rome was captured by Alberich II of Spoletsky . Having appropriated the title of Princeps atque Senator omnium Romanorum , he took over secular power over the city and even began to mint coins with his image. Alberich's most important political move was the marriage in 935 of Alda, daughter of his worst enemy, Hugo of Arles , king of Italy. The wedding contributed to their reconciliation. Along with the strengthening of secular power, Alberich took control of the spiritual as well, elevating Leo and his four successors to the papal throne.

Papacy

Leo was elected pope in December 935 . However, from the very beginning of the pontificate, Alberich assumed the authority of the religious leader of Rome. So, on behalf of the pope, he supported the Kluni movement , aimed at increasing monastic discipline. At the same time, Alberich also pursued purely political goals, seeking through religious dogmas to break the power of the barons, who owned large estates near Rome.

The only document of Pope Leo preserved for posterity is his gratitude to Alberich, in which he is described as "merciful", "beloved spiritual son" and "glorious prince of the Romans."

Leo encouraged the development of monasteries, blessed the Archbishop of Mainz Friedrich to expel the Jews from Germany.

Leo VII died July 13, 939 after three and a half years of his papacy and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica.

• Leo, popes // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.
• Platina, Bartolomeo (1479), The Lives of the Popes From The Time Of Our Savior Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII I, London: Griffith Farran & Co., p. 239.
• Imma Penn (May 30, 2007). Dogma Evolution & Papal Fallacies. AuthorHouse. p. 259. ISBN 978-1-4520-5994-5 .