Stephen IX (X)

Who he was

Frederick, son of Duke Gozelon of Lower Lorraine, was a canon of Liège when his cousin Leo IX made him chancellor and librarian of the Roman Church. He took part in the embassy to Constantinople in 1054, then became a monk and later abbot of Monte Cassino, and he was freely elected pope when Victor II died in 1057. Older lists number him Stephen X.

What he is remembered for

He pressed on with reform, making St Peter Damian and Humbert cardinals and sending Hildebrand on missions north of the Alps. He was preparing to reopen talks with the Greek Church and to check the Normans when he died at Florence after eight months, asking the cardinals to wait for Hildebrand's return before choosing his successor.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907-14): Pope Stephen (IX) X