One of five children born to a noble but corrupt Roman family.
Ordained in Rome.
Bishop of Narni.
133rd pope during a time of dispute over the throne.
A group who oppsed his connection to Emperor Otto I had him imprisoned in December 965 in the Castle of Sant' Angelo.
John escaped and hid with Prince Pandulf of Capua, until restored to his throne on 14 November966 by the intervention of Otto.
Active in organizing and extending the Church hierarchy.
Decided numerous questions of ecclesiastical law.
Conducted a synod at Saint Peter's on 11 January967.
Conducted a synod at Ravenna, Italy in April 967 where he confirmed establishment of the diocese of Magdeburg.
Crowned emperer Otto I's son, 13 year old Otto II, as joint emperor on 25 December967.
![[Pope John XIII]](pope0133.jpg "??kb jpg detail of a portrait of Pope John XIII, date unknown, artist unknown; please do not write to ask about the image")
