Stephen VIII (IX)

Who he was

Stephen was a Roman and Cardinal-Priest of Sts Silvester and Martin; the Catholic Encyclopedia sets aside later writers who said otherwise. He became pope in July 939 and is counted as both Stephen VIII and Stephen IX.

What he is remembered for

Throughout his reign he was subject to Alberic, Prince of the Romans, and had little room to act. He stood by the Frankish King Louis IV, threatening the nobles with excommunication unless they stayed loyal to him.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1912): Pope Stephen (VIII) IX
• New Catholic Encyclopedia: Popes, List of (dates from the Annuario Pontificio 2001)