Leo VII [936-939] Stepbrother of Alberic II, Roman Senator. He was a Benedictine monk at the time of his appointment. He focused heavily on monastic life, granting much power to Alberic, Hugh of Arles, and Odo, Abbot of Cluny, to take control of ecclesiastical life and reform monastic living. He prohibited forced baptism of Jews.

Stephen VIII [939-942] Elected by Alberic II, he was a poor politician who combined secular and ecclesiastical powers, threatening to excommunicate the French if they did not recognize Louis IV of Outremer as King of France.

Marinus II [942-946] Elected by Alberic II, not much is notable except that he appointed the Archbishop of Mainz as papal legate and Apostolic Vicar of France and Germany.

Agapetus II [946-955] Elected by Alberic II. He favored ecclesiastical life, empowering Otto I, King of Germany, to organize ecclesiastical territories. He established the diocese of Hamburg-Bremen to continue missionary work in Nordic territories.

John XII [955-964] His name was Octavian of Tusculum. Elected by Alberic II. He ascended to the Papacy at 18, without religious training. He was lazy, idle, and fond of indulgence. He carried out one of the most significant acts in history: he called upon Otto I to take control of both Germany and Italy through the Privilegium Ottonianum, an improved copy of the Constitutio Lotharii that had been reviewed with Pope Eugene II [99]. This reignited the drama started with the Theophylact family, challenging papal independence once more. This led to the appointment, transfer, and sale of bishoprics, where laypeople had direct influence over Church matters. The Pope watched as Otto grew in power and sought help from the Emperor’s enemies until Otto realized this, marched to Rome, and confronted the Pope. He was murdered by a blow to the head with a hammer by the husband of one of his lovers.

Benedict V [964] Otto I did not recognize him as Pope and, invoking the document signed with his predecessor, informed Rome that they had lost the right to elect Popes. The Emperor had him arrested. He died in exile in Hamburg 30 days after his appointment.

Leo VIII [964-965] There is controversy over whether to consider this man as Pope or antipope. However, he was elected by Otto I in a synod. He issued documents during this short time, but they were not recognized due to an investiture dispute.

John XIII [965-972] John Crescentius. Rumors (still persistent) suggest he was a son of Theodora the Younger, Marozia's sister. He was a member of the Papal Court at the time of his appointment. His appointment was unpopular in Rome, and he reprimanded those who opposed it. His main achievement was spreading the Roman liturgy to Byzantium and supporting evangelization efforts among Slavs and Hungarians. He created the archdiocese of Magdeburg.

Benedict VI [973-974] Elected by Otto I. When Otto died, Crescentius I, brother of the previous Pope, organized a rebellion, imprisoned the Pope, and had him killed to prevent his liberation by the new emperor, Otto II. Boniface VII (antipope) tried to take power but was not recognized by the Emperor or Count Sicco of Spoleto, his secretary.

Benedict VII [974-983] Benedict of Sutri. Elected by imperial power and the Roman aristocracy. He founded the diocese of Prague and supported evangelical missions worldwide. In the synod of Rome (981), he condemned simony due to the growing number of married priests inheriting positions and benefits at the Church's expense.

John XIV [983-984] Pietro of Canossa. Imposed by the imperial power of Otto II, he was Italy’s vice-chancellor. Upon Otto II's death, his three-year-old son Otto III succeeded him. The antipope Boniface VII returned from exile and tried to reclaim the throne. This Pope allegedly died from poisoning.

John XV [985-996] Of the Imperial faction and imposed by Crescentius II. He replaced the Capetian dynasty with the Carolingian dynasty. He maintained open communication with all archbishoprics and bishoprics and established diplomatic relations with Russia, which was under Byzantine control. He canonized Ulrich of Augsburg.

Gregory V [996-999] Bruno of Carinthia. A cousin of Otto III. He was the first German pope. As expected, not being Roman or Italian, he lacked support from the Roman populace. He led an ascetic life. In 997, a revolt led by John Crescentius rose against him, appointing John Philagathos as John XVI (antipope). The revolt failed. John was beheaded, and the antipope was mutilated and exiled.