Benedict IX | |
|---|---|
| Papacy began | October 1032 (first term) |
| Papacy ended | July 1048 (third term) |
| Predecessor | Pope John XIX Pope Sylvester III Pope Clement II |
| Successor | Pope Sylvester III Pope Gregory VI Pope Damasus II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Teofilatto or Theophylactus c. 1012 |
| Died | January 1056 Papal States |
| Other popes named Benedict | |
Pope Benedict IX (Latin: Benedictus Nonus; c. 1012–1056), born Teofilatto or Theophylactus of Tusculum, was an Italian priest of the Roman Catholic Church and the 145th Pope from 1032 to 1045. He is listed as the 147th Pope in 1045. Also, he was the 150th Pope in 1047-1048. He was most likely 12 years old when he became pope the first time.
Teofilatto was born in Rome c. 1012. He was the son of Alberic III of the noble Tusculum family.
He was the nephew of both Pope Benedict VIII and Pope John XIX.
John XIX raised Teofilatto to the rank of a cardinal; but the date is unknown.
In 1032, Alberic III used his money and influence to make his son the pope. This was called simony. Pope Benedict chose his name in honor of his uncle, Benedict VIII.
Benedict is usually recognized as having had three terms or reigns as pope
Benedict's first period as pope lasted from 1032 to 1044 when a revolt in Rome forced Benedict out of the city; and an antipope was elected with the name of Sylvester III.
Benedict's second period as pope lasted from his return six months later to 1045 when he sold his title to John Gratianus, who was then made pope with the name of Gregory VI. Benedict abdicated or resigned.
In 1046, there were three men with the title of pope. The problem was solved by electing a new pope with the name of Pope Clement II, who died a short time later.
When the death of Clement II in 1047, Benedict IX tried to claim the papacy again, but was driven out of Rome by German troops. The timely election of Pope Damasus II became unimportant when he died 23 days later.
After 1048, Benedict's importance faded; and Pope Leo IX was elected in 1049.
Benedict IX was buried in the Abbey of Grottaferrata c. 1056.

Media related to Benedictus IX at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by John XIX |
Pope 1032–1044 |
Succeeded by Sylvester III |
| Preceded by Sylvester III |
Pope 1045 |
Succeeded by Gregory VI |
| Preceded by Clement II |
Pope 1047–1048 |
Succeeded by Damasus II |