Pope Benedict III (855-858) was chosen by the clergy and people of Rome, but the election was not confirmed by the Emperor Lothair, who
appointed an
antipope, Anastasius. Benedict was at last successful, and the schism helped to weaken the hold of the emperors
upon the popes. The mythical
Pope Joan is usually placed between Benedict and his predecessor [Leo IV]
?
text from the 9th edition (1880s) of an unnamed encyclopedia - update as needed
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