Lentorama 2010: Two Millenia of Pointy Hats
Day 18: Sergius II (844-847)
After the death of Gregory IV, Sergius was elected pope, which would have been great if another man, John, hadn't been selected by public acclimation. Supporters of Sergius managed to hold the throne for him, but had him consecrated without the approval of the Holy Roman Emperor (so much for getting rid of the Byzantine approval). Troops were sent to Rome, but Sergius avoided a sacking through negotiation and giving the crown of Louis to the leader of the troops, who was also the emperor's son.
Of course, it may have been better if Sergius stayed in exile. During his brief tenure simony became the favored method of paying for building projects, and at one point the Saracens invaded the city and sacked a number of churches. It's at this point that he died, proving again that timing is everything.
08 March 2010
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