Benedict III, pope (855-858), was chosen by the clergy and people of Rome, but the election was not confirmed by the Emperor Lothar, who appointed an antipope, Anastasius. Benedict was at last successful, and the schism helped to weaken the hold of the emperors upon the popes, especially upon their elections. The mythical Pope Joan is usually placed between Benedict and his predecessor Leo IV
text from the 9th edition (1880s) of an unnamed encyclopedia - update as needed
