Pope Agapetus II

Reign: 946 – 955
Life: 900–955

911 to 8 November 955) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 10 May 946 to his death. A nominee of the princeps of Rome, Alberic II of Spoleto, his pontificate occurred during the period known as the Saeculum obscurum. The existence of an independent republic of Rome, ruled by Alberic II of Spoleto , meant that Agapetus was prevented from exercising any temporal or secular power in Rome and the Papal States . Even Agapetus’ invitation to Otto to intervene in Italian affairs in 951 was done at the instigation of Alberic, who was growing concerned at Berengar's growing power.

During Pope Agapetus II's reign, Eadred ruled England, Constantine VII ruled Rome, and Emperor Murakami ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

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From the library

Go deeper on Pope Agapetus II

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Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy

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