Gregorius V The 138th Pope. Country: Italy

1. Gregory V: The German Pope
2. Ascension and Papal Reign
3. Relationship with France
4. Relations with Russia
5. Conflict and Downfall
6. Suspicious Death

Gregory V: The German Pope

Gregory V, the 138th pope, made history as the first German-born pope. Born Bruno, he was the son of Otto I, Duke of Carinthia, and a grandnephew of Emperor Otto I the Great.

Ascension and Papal Reign

Supported by his cousin, Emperor Otto III, Bruno became Gregory V in 996 at the young age of 26. He acted as the emperor's representative in Rome and granted privileges to monasteries within the Holy Roman Empire. Notably, he crowned Otto III as emperor in 996.

Relationship with France

Gregory V faced opposition from French King Robert II regarding the appointment of bishops. The pope excommunicated Robert for marrying Bertha, who was his fourth cousin. Eventually, Robert relented and separated from Bertha.

Relations with Russia

Continuing the efforts of his predecessor, Gregory V maintained relations with the Russian state of Novgorod. He sent papal envoys there in 991 and 1000.

Conflict and Downfall

In 997, Emperor Otto III left Rome, leading to an uprising by Consul John Crescentius. Gregory V was deposed, and antipope John XVI was installed. However, Otto III returned and quashed the rebellion. John XVI was captured and brutally disfigured, while Crescentius was hanged.

Suspicious Death

Gregory V died suddenly on February 18, 999, at the age of less than 30. Rumors of poisoning circulated, but the cause of his death remains unclear. He was buried in St. Peter's Basilica alongside Pope Pelagius I.