Pope John XIV - Definition and Overview

John XIV (died August 20, 984), Pope from 983 to 984, successor to Benedict VII was born at Pavia, and before his elevation to the papal chair was imperial chancellor of Otto II, and was the latter's second choice.

Original name Peter, but changed it to avoid being linked to St Peter himself.

Otto died shortly after his election, his heir, Otto III being only 3 years old. Boniface VII, on the strength of the popular feeling against the new pope, returned from Constantinople and placed John in prison, in Castel Sant'Angelo, where he died either by starvation or poison.

Died on August 20 984: Popes Pius X and Benedict XIV also died on the same day.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.