Antipope Boniface VII

Boniface VII (* in Rome, † July 985 ), actually Franco, son of Ferrucius was 974 Antipope and 984/85 Pope. Its name means " the benefactor " (latin ).

Life

The cardinal deacon Franco was at the instigation of Roman nobleman under Crescentius de Theodora as antipope against Benedict VI. elected, who was murdered by a priest Boniface instigated by 974. After only six weeks, however, Boniface VII had to flee from Otto II to Byzantium, where he took treasures from St. Peter. Pope Benedict VII excommunicated him then.

When Otto died, Boniface returned to Rome 984 back and let captivated Pope John XIV and imprisoned in the Castel Sant'Angelo and proclaimed himself pope. On August 20, 984 John XIV was probably murdered. Eleven months later, Boniface died of a suspected unnatural death. The Roman people desecrated his corpse and dragged it through the streets.

During his lifetime the dictatorial Boniface VII was called Malefatius ( = culprit ) and horrendum monstrum (ie terrible monster ).

In his second term, Boniface VII is usually regarded as the rightful pope, although this is controversial due to his way of life. However, seems to be the next bearer of the name, of Boniface VIII called to have recognized the legitimacy of the papacy of Boniface VII in question, as can be concluded from his name count.