Overview

Pope Clement II was relatively forgettable as pope after he gained the title as a result of political ties. However, a recent toxicological examination confirms the fact that Clement died of exposure to lead sugar on October 9, 1047. Lead(II) acetate is a chemical compound, a white crystalline substance with a sweetish taste. It was used as a sweetener by the Romans and was made by boiling grape juice in Lead pots and may have contributed to the high level of recorded insanity and death of several figures in Rome. Additionally, in some countries, lead acetate is used deliberately to sweeten candy. This has resulted in criticism that children are being poisoned.

References

Pope Clement II - wikipedia