John XV
Facts
Author and Publisher - Catholic Online
Printable Catholic Saints PDFs
Shop John XV
The son of a priest named Leo, John was elected pope in 985 with the support of Count Crescentius II. Six years later, he sent his legate to mediate between King Ethelred II of England and Duke Richard of Normandy, and in 992, he accepted the vassalage of Duke Mieszko I of Poland. John had a falling out with his patron ten years after his election to the see of Rome; the pope fled to Sutri and asked Emperor Otto III to help him. John died in 996 before Otto could do anything for him. John was the first pope to canonize a saint by papal bull, and St. Ulrich of Augsberg was the first saint so canonized.
Come Grow With Us
Sign up and walk the Catholic journey with millions around the world.
Receive inspiring emails on saints, daily readings, and free faith-building resources—no cost, ever.
Catholic Online Is Free. But We Need Your Help.
Please Watch
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary
Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.