Pope Benedict VII
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Benedict VII (born in Rome; died 983) belonged to the noble family of the counts of Tusculum. He governed Rome quietly for nearly nine years, a somewhat rare thing in those days.
Benedict's date of birth is not known with certainty.
Benedict was related to Prince Alberic II, and connected to the Crescenti family. He succeeded to the papacy as a compromise candidate, to replace Antipope Boniface VII. Boniface was excommunicated and unsuccessfully attempted to retake the papacy.
Benedict promoted monasticism and ecclesiastical reform along with Emperor Otto II.
In March 981, he presided over a synod in St Peter's that prohibited simony.
In September 981, he convened a Lateran Synod.
| Preceded by: Benedict VI | Pope 974–983 | Succeeded by: John XIV |