Pope Leo VI

Born in 880, Leo VI became the 123rd bishop of Rome in June 928, ascending to a throne stripped of much real power. His pontificate unfolded during the Saeculum obscurum, a stretch when Roman noble houses controlled papal elections and the spiritual office had become a political instrument. He ruled as nominal head of the Papal States for just over seven months. He died on 12 February 929, another short reign in a century of them.