Pope John XII (937-14 May 964) was Pope from 955 to 964, succeeding Pope Agapetus II and preceding Pope Benedict V.
Biography[]
John was born Octavianus, and he was the son of Alberic II of Spoleto and Alda of Vienna (Alberic's stepsister). His father secured his succession to the papacy before his death in 954, and John was elected the next day. John was unable to control the nobility of Rome, and Berengar II of Italy invaded his lands, so in 960 he sent to Otto I of Germany for help. He crowned Otto as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as a reward, and the Papal States' independence was secured. He was known for his depravity and worldliness, and he was beaten to death by a jealous husband.