(Greek: victor of the people)
Reigned from 858 to 867. Born in 825 in Rome, Italy; died there. Elected after the disintegration of the empire of Charlemagne, he found Christianity threatened by laxity in the observance of moral and civillaw. To uphold Divine and Church law against princes and worldly bishops, he protected the minor clergy and suffragan bishops against their exactions. He upheld the right of appealing to Rome, against the decisions of Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims; defended the integrity of the marriage bond against Lothair II; and supported Ignatius, Patriarch of Constantinople against, the intruder, Photius. Feast, Roman Calendar, November 13,.