Why did Pope Leo III flee to Charlemagne in 799?

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Painting by Albrecht Durer of Charlemagne in ornate coronation robes and crown, holding a sword and orb, with gold embroidery and regal symbols behind him. — Charlemagne Charlemagne, oil on limewood by Albrecht Dürer, 1512; in the collection of the German National Museum, Nürnberg, Germany.

In 799, Pope Leo III fled to Charlemagne at Paderborn to seek protection following a violent physical attack in Rome.12

On April 25, 799, during a Roman procession, assailants incited by supporters of the late Pope Adrian I assaulted Leo. The attackers intended to blind him and remove his tongue, which would have disqualified him from holding the papacy by rendering him physically unfit for office.1

Leo sought refuge with Charlemagne, who was his established protector. While the specific details of their negotiations remain unknown, Charlemagne eventually sent Leo back to Rome under the escort of a commission. This commission investigated the allegations of misconduct leveled against the Pope, ultimately discrediting the complaints and arresting his accusers.12