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. 245.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
LANDUS.
A.D. 903.
LANDUS, a Roman, succeeded Anastasius; but his life was so obscure, that some do not reckon him for a Pope, especially Vincentius the historian. But Martin and Cusentinus are of another mind, together with Gothifredus, who writes, that this Landus, by interposing his authority, hindered a battle between Berengarius and Rodulphus, son of Count Guido; though others say that Rodulphus overcame Berengarius near Verona, and enjoyed the empire three years. There was indeed at this time a great contention for the empire between the Italians, Germans, and French, which was the cause of many cruel wars, which were not ended without great destruction of men and mischief to each country. The Romans and Italians laboured, might and main, to preserve the empire in their own country against the power of those barbarous people, but they wanted some man that could lead them on in so great an enterprise; for those noble spirits who had rendered the name of Italy famous through the world, were now not only extinct, but even those virtuous inclinations were quite stifled which gave life to such glorious actions. Landus died in the sixth month, and twenty-first day of his pontificate, and was buried in St Peter’s Church.
Previous Pope: 124. Anastasius III. 125. Landus. Next Pope: 126. John X.