[3] The tenth-century historian Flodoard, who nicknamed him "the Great", commended his noble birth and public generosity.

Benedict was a native of Rome, the son of one Mammalus, and was ordained priest by Pope Formosus.

In 900, he excommunicated Count Baldwin II of Flanders for murdering Archbishop Fulk of Reims.

In 902, Berengar of Friuli defeated Louis III and forced him to leave Italy.

[6] Benedict was buried in front of St Peter's Basilica, by the gate of Guido.