Agapetus II
Agapetus · 946 – 955
Promoted monastic reform and worked with Otto I of Germany, setting the stage for the Holy Roman Empire's involvement in papal affairs.
Agapetus was a Roman who became pope in 946. He governed under Alberic II's political control but managed to pursue reform. He supported the Cluniac movement and worked to improve Church discipline across Italy and beyond. He built a relationship with Otto I of Germany, inviting his intervention in Italian affairs, a move that would have enormous consequences after Agapetus's death. When Alberic died in 954, the prince forced the Romans to swear they would elect his son as the next pope, and Agapetus was powerless to prevent it.
Before the Storm
Agapetus II's pontificate was the calm before a storm. He governed competently, promoted reform, and built ties with Otto I. But he could not prevent Alberic from rigging the next papal election for his teenage son. That son would become John XII, one of the most scandalous popes in history.