Pope Leo III

Leo III, Pope 795-816.

On Christmas Day 800 Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor. The reasons for this action, the involvement beforehand of the Frankish court, and the relationship to the Byzantine Empire are all matters of debate among historians.

preceded by Pope Adrian I, (772-795)

succeeded by Pope Stephen V, (816-817)

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See Also: Leo III, the Isaurian, Byzantine emperor 717-741