Pope Gregory V

Born Bruno of Carinthia around 972, he came from the Salian dynasty and rose through church ranks until his cousin, Emperor Otto III, made him pope on May 3, 996. He was the first German to hold the office, bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States in an era when bloodline still dictated who wore the tiara. His reign lasted less than three years. He died on February 18, 999, one year before the millennium turned.