Pope Leo III Seeks Refuge in Frankish Territory

After facing severe mistreatment and disfigurement at the hands of Roman citizens, Pope Leo III fled to the court of King Charlemagne in Paderborn. The Pope sought protection from the hostility he experienced in Rome, where he had been accused of various crimes that undermined his authority. His flight marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between the papacy and the Frankish kingdom, leading to significant political repercussions.