He was an opponent of Gregorian reform who supported Henry IV of Germany in the Investiture Controversy.
Benzo's date of birth is unknown but he was probably born in northern Italy.
[1] Benzo began his career in the imperial chapel, and was probably raised to the see of Alba by Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor.
[2] During the Cadalan Schism (1061–1064), Benzo supported the imperial candidate, Bishop Cadalus of Parma, against the reform candidate, Pope Alexander II.
[4] He was driven from his see by members of the Pataria around 1076 or 1077, and probably returned to the imperial court during 1081–1084.