Editing Pope John XIII (section)

== Death and lore ==
John XIII died on 6 September 972, and was buried in the [[Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls]].<ref name="Mann, pg. 303">Mann, p. 303</ref> He was succeeded by [[Benedict VI]]. The earliest surviving written mention of the ancient practice of the blessing of church bells comes from his reign.<ref>DeCormenin, p. 304</ref>

Referred to by one chronicler after his death as "The Good",<ref name="Mann, pg. 303"/> John was noted for his reverence and piety, as well as being highly learned in both scripture and [[canon law]].<ref>Mann, p. 283</ref> From childhood he carried the nickname of "the White Hen", due to his light colored hair.<ref name="Mann, pg. 284"/> His epitaph used to be in the basilica where he was buried, between the front door and the first column, and it read:
{{blockquote| "Here, where in death the good pastor would have them placed, are the remains of Pope John. By the mercy of God and the merits of St. Paul, freed from the bonds of death, may he hence ascend into heaven, and share in the happiness of the blessed above. Do you who piously read this epitaph pray that Christ, who with His sacred Blood redeemed the world, may have pity on His servant and free him from his sins."<ref>Mann, p. 304</ref>}}

There is a legend which attached itself to the reign of John XIII. According to [[Dietrich I of Metz]], one of the nobles attached to the court of the emperor Otto I was possessed by an evil spirit, resulting in his tearing at his own face, and biting his hands and arms. The emperor ordered that the nobleman be taken to Pope John XIII, with instructions that the [[Liberation of Saint Peter|Chains of Saint Peter]] be placed upon him, and so cure him. According to the legend, John placed several chains on the afflicted man, each of which were copies, but to no effect. However, when John placed the true chain of [[Saint Peter]] on him, a thick smoke issued from the nobleman's body, cries were heard in the air, and the evil spirit left the nobleman.<ref>DeCormenin, p. 303</ref>