Pope Stephen VII
Head of the Catholic Church from 929 to 931
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Pope Stephen VII (Latin: Stephanus VII; died 15 March 931)[1] was the bishop of Rome and nominal ruler of the Papal States from February 929 to his death in 931. A candidate of the infamous Marozia, his pontificate occurred during the period known as the Saeculum obscurum.
Stephen VII | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | February 929 |
| Papacy ended | 15 March 931 |
| Predecessor | Leo VI |
| Successor | John XI |
| Previous post | Cardinal-Priest of Sant'Anastasia (928-929) |
| Orders | |
| Created cardinal | December 928 by Pope Leo VI |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Died | c. 15 March 931 Rome, Papal States |
| Other popes named Stephen | |
Election
Stephen was a Roman[2] by birth, the son of Germanic (Goth) Theodemundus/Theudemund.[3] He was the cardinal-priest of St Anastasia in Rome. He was probably handpicked by Marozia, the true ruler of Rome during the Saeculum obscurum, to become pope as a stop-gap measure until her own son John was ready to assume the role.[3]
Pontificate
Very little is known about Stephen's pontificate. During his two years as pope, Stephen confirmed the privileges of a few religious houses in France and Italy.[3] As a reward for helping free Stephen from the oppression of Hugh of Arles, Stephen granted Cante di Gabrielli the position of papal governor of Gubbio, and control over a number of key fortresses.[4] Stephen was also noted for the severity with which he treated clergy who strayed in their morals.[5] He was also, apparently, according to a hostile Greek source from the twelfth century, the first pope who went around clean shaved whilst pope.[6]
Stephen died around 15 March 931, and was succeeded by Marozia's son John XI.