Pope John XIV

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John XIV
Birth name Peter
Papacy began 983
Papacy ended August 20, 984
Predecessor Benedict VII
Successor John XV
Born  ???
Pavia, Italy
Died August 20, 984
Rome, Italy
Other Popes named John

John XIV (died August 20, 984), Pope from 983 to 984, successor to Pope Benedict VII (974–983), was born at Pavia, and before his elevation to the papal chair was imperial chancellor of Emperor Otto II (973–983), and was the latter's second choice.

His original name was Peter, but he changed it to John XIV avoid being linked to St. Peter himself.

Otto II died shortly after his election; his heir, Otto III (983–1002), being only 3 years old. Antipope Boniface VII (974, 984–985), on the strength of the popular feeling against the new Pope, returned from Constantinople and placed John XIV in prison, in Castel Sant'Angelo, where he died either by starvation or poison.


Preceded by
Benedict VII
Pope
983–984
Succeeded by
John XV

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.