Editing Pope Benedict V (section)

==Election ==
The Roman people, unhappy with the election of Leo VIII as [[pope]], recalled John XII. John convened a [[Synod of Rome (964)|synod]] which condemned Leo, in which Benedict took part. However, with John's death, the Roman people again rejected Leo, who fled from Rome and joined Otto at [[Rieti]] in central Italy. After a violent struggle between rival factions, the Romans elected Benedict instead, who was acclaimed by the city militia.<ref>Gregorovius, p. 352</ref> Prior to his [[coronation as pope]], envoys were sent to Otto, informing them of their decision. The emperor rejected their decision out of hand and warned them not to proceed. Returning to Rome, they decided to ignore Otto; Benedict was [[episcopal ordination|consecrated bishop]] and crowned pope on 22 May 964.<ref>David Warner, ''Ottonian Germany: the Chronicon of Thietmar of Merseburg'', (Manchester University Press, 2001), 113.</ref> The Romans swore an oath to Benedict that they would not abandon him and would protect him against Otto.

Otto however, upon hearing the news, resolved to restore his candidate as pope. He marched and proceeded to besiege Rome, blockading it so that no one was able to leave the city. The result was famine, as the land around the city was ravaged, and a single [[Ancient Roman units of measurement#Dry measure|modius]] of [[bran]] cost thirty [[denarii]].<ref>Mann, pg. 275</ref> Although Benedict tried to bolster morale by encouraging the defenders from the walls of the city, as well as threatening to [[excommunicate]] the emperor and his army, the Romans soon decided to capitulate. Opening the gates to Otto, they handed Benedict over to him on 23 June 964.<ref>Gregorovius, pg. 353</ref>