When was Pope Benedict VI pope?

Benedict VI reigned as the 134th pope from 19 January 973 –8 June 974, during the early medieval papacy.

What number pope was Benedict VI?

Benedict VI was pope 134º — the 134th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Benedict VI remembered for?

Benedict VI served the Church during the early medieval papacy (19 January 973 –8 June 974). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Benedict VI?

Benedict VI (134º) succeeded Pope John XIII (133º) and was followed by Pope Benedict VII (135º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Benedict VI (134º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Benedict VI was the 134th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 19 January 973 –8 June 974 during the early medieval papacy. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who Was Pope Benedict VI?

This biography of Benedict VI (134º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the early medieval papacy, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.

Early Life & Background

Born Benedetto, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Benedict VI reigned during the early Middle Ages, when the papacy navigated the collapse of Roman order in the West, the rise of new kingdoms, and the missionary expansion of Christianity across Europe. Deposed and murdered.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (19 January 973 –8 June 974) centered on governance during the early medieval papacy. Was of Lombard ethnicity.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Benedict VI left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

134th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 19 January 973 –8 June 974
Shepherded the Church during the early medieval papacy
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Benedict VI remains pope 134º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the early medieval papacy, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying Benedict VI helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the early medieval papacy — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

Benedict VI followed Pope John XIII (133º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Benedict VII (135º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.