Pope from October 30, 942 - May 946Died: May 946Pronounced MAH-rihn-ooce
Give me the scoop on Marinus II.Marinus was born in Rome, and was cardinal-priest of the Church of St. Cyriacus, located in the Baths of Diocletian. He was another hand-picked (and micro-managed) choice of Alberic II, the Roman senator, and as a result wielded little real power or influence. Marinus II died in 946, having reigned as pope for three and a half years.
What was he known for?Despite Alberic’s watchful eye, Marinus II was able to accomplish some good work while in office. He restored a number of churches in Rome -- including several monasteries, which he favored especially -- and was very generous to the poor.
Fun fact: Because the names “Marinus” and “Martinus” (Martin) are so closely related, some papal lists confuse Marinus I and II as having the latter name, listing them as “Martinus II” and “Martinus III” instead. As a result of the confusion, the next legitimate “Pope Martin” would go by “Martin IV” to avoid further mix-ups.
What else was going on in the world at the time?The great St. Odo of Cluny, who oversaw and set in motion the great monastic reform that healed the Church for centuries, died a month after Marinus II was elected. St. Odo is the patron saint of rain.
Coming tomorrow...Pope Agapetus IISOURCES (and further reading)