Pope Stephen II
Pope Stephen II (752 - 757) was the first of two popes to bear this name, with the second being known as Pope Stephen III. His papacy is notable for several significant events and policies that shaped the relationship between the Papacy and the Frankish Kingdom, as well as the Byzantine Empire.
Election and Papal Name
Stephen II was elected pope in March 752 but died just a few days later, before his consecration. Consequently, he is not considered a legitimate pope by the Roman Catholic Church's official list of popes. However, his election and brief tenure are historically significant:
- The successor, also named Stephen, took the name Stephen III, creating a discrepancy in the numbering of subsequent popes named Stephen.
- This event led to a change in how papal names are counted, with Stephen II being removed from the official list, but still mentioned in historical records.
Contextual Background
At the time of Stephen II's election:
- The Papal States were under threat from the Lombards, who were encroaching on papal territories.
- The Byzantine Empire, once the protector of Rome, was increasingly distant and less able to provide military support to the Papacy.
Impact and Policies
Although Stephen II's papacy was extremely brief:
- His election underscored the ongoing power struggles in Italy, particularly between the Lombards and the Papacy.
- It highlighted the growing need for the Papacy to seek alliances outside of Byzantine influence, leading to the eventual support from the Frankish Kingdom under Charlemagne.
Death and Legacy
Stephen II's death shortly after his election left a void that his successor, Stephen III, had to fill. His brief tenure did not allow for significant policy implementation or diplomatic achievements, but his election was a catalyst for:
- The strengthening of ties between the Papacy and the Frankish rulers, which would culminate in the Coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800.
- The beginning of a shift in papal strategy from relying on Byzantine support to seeking protection from the Franks.
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