From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; pp. 225-226.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
BENEDICT III.
A.D. 855-858.
BENEDICT the Third, by birth a Roman, son of Peter; he was deservedly called Benedictus for the sanctity of his life and his knowledge in divinity. For while he lived under Gregory, he was made by him sub-deacon, and thenceforward led so exemplary a life, that, upon the death of Leo, he only was thought worthy to succeed so great a Pope. To him therefore they address themselves, as to a kind angel by God sent down to them, and presently declared him Pope. He, weeping and calling God and His holy saints to witness, professed himself utterly unworthy of so high a dignity. But the election being universally liked and applauded, he at last unwillingly accepted of the office, was brought to the Lateran 226 and placed in St Peter’s chair, whence he was led upon a white horse to the church of St Mary Maggiore, where he spent three days in fasting and prayer, begging God to grant that he might govern His Church with integrity and holiness. The third day past, the people came thither again, and according to custom kissed his feet, especially those of the faction of Rhodoardus, Bishop of Porto, who the day before had attempted to set up, instead of Benedict, one Anastasius, an obscure man, who had been turned out of his bishopric by Leo; but now finding their error, they asked pardon, and becoming of the right opinion, they also made the usual adoration to this holy man, as likewise did the ambassadors sent to Rome by the Emperor Louis to confirm the election of the clergy and laity. The next day he was attended by the people to St Peter’s Church, where being, according to custom and ancient tradition, publicly consecrated, he received the insignia of his office with unanimous shouts and acclamations. For he was a man of so sweet a temper, and so great modesty, both in his mind and aspect, that, as well in his public managements as in his private station, he gained the love and respect of all men. And now setting his mind on the service of God, he repaired many churches almost tottering with age, and increased their treasures. He ordained that the Pope and clergy should accompany the funerals of bishops, priests, and deacons, as well to honour their corpse as to pray for their souls; and that the clergy should in like manner attend the funerals of Popes; and what he had thus ordained, himself observed punctually as long as he lived, for he was always present at the burials of the priests. He was a frequent visitor of the sick, a nursing father to the poor, a comforter of the miserable and hopeless, a zealous patron of the widow and fatherless. And in thus doing, having spent a most holy life, late enough for himself, but too soon for the people of Rome, he died, having sat two years, six months, and nine days, and was buried before St Peter’s church-doors. The see then was vacant fifteen days.
Previous Pope: 106. John VIII. 107. Benedict III. Next Pope: 108. Nicolas I. The Great.