Pope John XII

Born Octavian into the powerful counts of Tusculum, he became Pope John XII on 16 December 955, somewhere between the ages of 17 and 25. By 960, clashes with the Lombards forced him to call on King Otto I of Germany for help; John crowned him emperor in exchange. The alliance soured quickly. His pontificate grew infamous for alleged worldliness and conduct unbecoming the office. In 963, Otto convened a synod in Rome that declared John deposed for his crimes and elected Leo VIII in his place. John XII died on 14 May 964, several months after the synod's verdict.