Pope-elect Stephen (Latin:Stephanus; 7th or 8th century — 25 March 752), before 1961 previously known asPope Stephen II, was a Roman cardinal-priest and presbyterselected on 22 March 752 to succeedPope Zachary. Because he died before hisepiscopal consecration, Stephen is merely considered apope-elect rather than a legitimatepope.
Although not much is known surrounding his life, Stephen was born in Rome (then part of theExarchate of Ravenna) in theByzantine Empire during either the seventh or eighth century. He was baptised into the state religion ofChristianity; later in life, he was ordained as a priest in theDiocese of Rome, serving as a presbyter.
Zachary died around 15 March 752 (aside from this, he may have died on either on the 12th or 14th of that month). Following his funeral, on the night of 22 March, Stephen wasunanimously selected to become the newpope, settling into theLateran Palace in Rome (at that time within theKingdom of the Lombards). However, he reportedly felt unwell a day later. He was not legallybishop of Rome, owing to thecanon law of the time, which stated that a pope'spontificate started upon his consecration.[1]
While ordering household chores from family members, Stephen suffered astroke on 25 March. He succumbed to its effects the following day, still at the Lateran Palace, on 26 March; thus, Stephen died before his official consecration as bishop of Rome andcoronation.[2][3] He was succeeded byStephen II the next day, who reigned until 757. Stephen II is legally acknowledged as Zachary's rightful successor by the Catholic Church.
Following his own funeral, Stephen was buried in the atrium of theOld St. Peter's Basilica; however, his tomb was destroyed and subsequently lost during its demolition.
Due to his extraordinarily brief tenure (which did not even legally begin), Stephen did not personally have any palpable impact on the Catholic Church. If he is counted a pope, then he carries the shortest term of any pope in history.
Later canon law considered that a man became pope the moment he accepted his election, and Pope-elect Stephen was thenanachronistically called Pope Stephen II. The pope currently acknowledged as Pope Stephen II was, in turn, calledPope Stephen III, with all subsequent popes by this name ascending in number.[4]
His name was removed from the list of popes in theAnnuario Pontificio in 1961. He was originally included in theAnnuario from the sixteenth century onwards.[5] Despite the Catholic Church omitting him from this list, he is often acknowledged by modern historians as a pope.
^CardinalTeobaldo Boccapecci was elected Pope in 1124, taking the name Celestine II; however, he resigned before his consecration due to political infighting and to prevent a schism. He is often acknowledged as "Pope-elect Celestine II".
