Pope John XV served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 985 to 996 AD. He was elected during a time of political instability in Italy and the Church, which was often influenced by local nobility. His papacy is noted for its efforts to strengthen the Church's authority and its involvement in the politics of the time. During his papacy, John XV is known for canonizing several saints, which helped to promote the veneration of saints within the Church. He also issued a number of decrees aimed at reforming clerical conduct and addressing issues of simony, the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices, which was a significant concern during his tenure.