Pope Leo VIII was an Italian pope from 963 to 965. The legitimacy of his election is debatable, yet he is included in the canon as the 131st pope. 

The Holy Roman Emperor pushed for Leo VIII to be elected pope after removing and expelling Pope John XII for attempting to depose Otto I from the throne. This story is marred by a struggle for power.

Once the emperor left Rome, Pope John and his supporters removed Leo VIII from his position. Leo fled back to Otto in Germany. Leo attempted to become pope upon the sudden death of Pope John. Benedict V was elected instead. The emperor and Leo returned to Rome, deposed Benedict, and reinstated Leo until his death in 965.

While Bishop of Rome, he granted the emperor and his heirs power to advance across Italy. This is another example of how the history of the Church is marked by intrigue, and yet I do not lose hope that the Holy Spirit never abandoned the Church in her darkest days.