In 972 he became a Cardinal Deacon, a position which he held until he began his papacy in 974.
All living former Cardinal Deacons created prior to 2001 have exercised this right.
Guido Pepoli (20 December 1589) - Cardinal Deacon of SS.
He was created Cardinal Deacon of Santa Maria in Domnica.
He was Cardinal Protodeacon, that is the longest serving Cardinal Deacon from 1916 until 1928.
Possibly in line with its ancient orientation, it became a titular church for a Cardinal Deacon in 1088.
He was made a Cardinal Deacon by Paschal II.
This is a list of Cardinal Deacons who have given the Habemus Papam announcement:
He chose to be raised to the rank of Cardinal-Priest (with the same title) on 29 January 1996, after spending ten years as a Cardinal Deacon.
The word has now come to mean the titular church of a Cardinal Deacon.