Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896. His reign as Pope was troubled, marked by interventions in power struggles over the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Kingdom of West Francia, and the Holy Roman Empire. Because he sided with Arnulf of Carinthia against Lambert of Spoleto, Formosus's remains were exhumed and put on trial in the Cadaver Synod. Several of his immediate successors were primarily preoccupied by the controversial legacy of his pontificate, noting his desertion from the diocese in Portus to pursue personal ambition in Rome. Formosus was seen as failing to uphold the ideals of the Church, which is why Stephen VI judged him for moving into an elevated role while holding another.
Pope Formosus crowned Arnulf King of Carinthia and Holy Roman Emperor
Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896.
Historical Significance
Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896.
Events Before
The end of the Carolingian Empire: King Charles III resigns as Emperor after a revolt led by his nephew Arnulf, the empi
The end of the Carolingian Empire: King Charles III resigns as Emperor after a revolt led by his nephew Arnulf, the empire is then split up
Odo (Eudes), Count of Paris, succeeds Charles III the Fat to become King of West Francia (888-898)
Odo (Eudes), Count of Paris, succeeds Charles III the Fat to become King of West Francia (888-898)
Northmen defeated near Louvaine, France
Northmen defeated near Louvaine, France
Stephen V's reign as Catholic Pope end with his death, succeeded a few weeks later by Pope Formosus
Stephen V's reign as Catholic Pope end with his death, succeeded a few weeks later by Pope Formosus
Formosus begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896.
Events After
Aghlabid emir Ibrahim II of Ifriqiya destroys Taormina, Sicily
Abu Ishaq Ibrahim II ibn Ahmad (27 June 850 – 23 October 902) was the Emir of Ifriqiya. He ruled from 875 until his abdication in 902.
Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed antipope Christopher
Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed antipope Christopher
Byzantine city Thessalonica is sacked by Saracen pirates led by renegade Leo of Tripoli
Byzantine city Thessalonica is sacked by Saracen pirates led by renegade Leo of Tripoli
Holy Roman Emperor Louis III captured, blinded, and forced to relinquish his royal Italian and imperial crowns
Louis the Blind (880 – 5 June 928) was king in Provence and Lower Burgundy from 890 to 928, and also king of Italy from 900 to 905, and also the emperor between 901 and 905, styled as Louis III.
More from the 890s
Northmen defeated near Louvaine, France
Northmen defeated near Louvaine, France
Stephen V's reign as Catholic Pope end with his death, succeeded a few weeks later by Pope Formosus
Stephen V's reign as Catholic Pope end with his death, succeeded a few weeks later by Pope Formosus
Formosus begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 22, 896?
- Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896. His reign as Pope was troubled, marked by interventions in power struggles over the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Kingdom of West Francia, and the Holy Roman Empire. Because he sided with Arnulf of Carinthia against Lambert of Spoleto, Formosus's remains were exhumed and put on trial in the Cadaver Synod.
- Why is Pope Formosus crowned Arnulf King of Carinthia and Holy Roman Emperor significant?
- Pope Formosus (816 – 896) was the pope and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 891 until his death on 4 April 896.