Benedict left the papacy back in 1044 for uncertain reasons (it's rumoured that he sold the seat), but came back to claim it again in 1045. He ousted Sylvester III, but only held onto his seat for about a month.

Throughout his three terms as Pope (and after), Benedict was accused of the worst kinds of papal corruption. He is variously described as "feasting on immorality" and "a demon from hell in the disguise of a priest."