Events Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan. Edward the Confessor marries Edith of Wessex and begins construction of Westminster Abbey. January 20—Pope Sylvester III becomes the 146th pope, succeeding former pope Benedict IX, who abdicated the previous year. April—Pope Sylvester III is deposed (election deemed invalid); Pope Benedict IX is elected once more, becoming the 147th pope. May 5—Pope Gregory VI becomes the 148th pope, following the deposition of Pope Benedic… (More on 1045)