Editing Pope Benedict V (section)

==Overthrow==
Together with his clerical and lay supporters, and clad in his pontifical robes, Benedict was brought before a [[Lateran Council (964)|synod]] which Leo had convened. Benedict was asked by the archdeacon how he dared to assume the chair of [[Saint Peter]] while Leo was still alive. He was also accused of having broken his oath to the emperor, where he promised never to elect a pope without the emperor's consent.<ref>Gregorovius, pg. 354</ref> Benedict responded: “If I have sinned, have mercy on me.” Having received a promise from the emperor that his life would be spared if he submitted, Benedict threw himself at Leo's feet and acknowledged his guilt.<ref>Mann, pgs. 275-6</ref>

The synod revoked his episcopal consecration, his [[pallium]] was torn from him, and his pastoral staff was broken over him by Leo. However, through the intercession of Otto, he was allowed to retain the rank of [[deacon]].<ref>Mann, pg. 276</ref> Otto left Rome sometime after 29 June 964, taking Benedict with him. After some delay, he was taken to Germany in early 965. The ex-Pope was moved to [[Hamburg]] and placed under the care of [[Adaldag]], [[Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen]].<ref>Philip Hughes, ''A History of the Church'', (Sheed & Ward Ltd., 1978), 196.</ref> His period of exile was brief; [[Adam of Bremen]] noted:
<blockquote>”The archbishop [Adaldag] kept him with great honour till his death; for he is said to have been both holy and learned and worthy of the Apostolic See. . . . And so living a holy life with us, and teaching others how to live well, he at length died a happy death just when the Romans had come to ask the emperor that he might be restored.”<ref>Mann, pg. 277</ref></blockquote>

Although he was treated well by Archbishop Adaldag, many others considered him an [[antipope]], and attempted to keep him ostracised. Archbishop Libentius I (the successor of Adaldag) commented:
<blockquote>”When the Lord Pope Benedict was an exile in these parts, I sought him out; and though every effort was made to prevent my going to him, I would never allow myself to be influenced against the Pope. But, as long as he lived, I closely adhered to him.”<ref>Mann, pg. 278</ref></blockquote>