Stephen IV (V)

Who he was

Stephen, son of Marinus, came of a noble Roman family that gave the Church two other popes. Adrian I and Leo III had favoured him as a young man, and Leo ordained him deacon. He was elected and consecrated straight after Leo's death and reigned only seven months.

What he is remembered for

He had the Romans swear loyalty to the Emperor Louis the Pious, then travelled to France and crowned him there, renewing the pact between the Franks and the papacy. On his way home he brought back people who had been exiled under Leo III. He is counted as both Stephen IV and Stephen V.

Sources

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