Pope John XIX

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For the Coptic Pope, see Pope John XIX of Alexandria.
John XIX
Pope John XIX.jpg
Papacy began May 1024
Papacy ended October 1032
Predecessor Benedict VIII
Successor Benedict IX
Personal details
Birth name Romanus
Born ???
Rome, Papal States, Holy Roman Empire
Died October 1032
Rome, Papal States, Holy Roman Empire
Other popes named John



Born Romanus in Rome, he succeeded his brother Pope Benedict VIII, both members of the powerful house of Tusculum. Prior to being elected Pope, he was an unordained layman and was therefore ordained a bishop in order to enable him to ascend the papal chair, having previously been a consul and senator.

He played a role in the process leading to the Schism of 1054 by rejecting a proposal by Patriarch Eustathius of Constantinople to recognise that Patriarchate's sphere of interest in the east.[1] Against the grain of ecclesiastical history, John XIX agreed, upon being paid a large bribe, to grant the title of ecumenical bishop to the Patriarch of Constantinople. However, this proposal excited general indignation throughout the Church, compelling him almost immediately to withdraw from the agreement.


In 1025 he sent the crown to Poland and blessed the coronation of the Polish king Bolesław Chrobry.[2]







  1. ^ Previte-Orton, p. 275.
  3. ^ Runciman, p. 123.
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
Benedict VIII
Succeeded by
Benedict IX