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Stephen III/IV, Pope of Rome
VIII Century
Born c. 720 in Sicily, Stephen III/IV was elected pope in 768
through the influence of the notary Christopher. He was opposed
by the antipope Constantine II, who was the brother of Duke Toto
of Nepi and who was blinded and degraded the following year.
Stephen opposed iconoclasm and forbade lay participation in the
election of popes. Stephen is said to have allowed King Desiderius
of the Lombards to murder Christopher and his son, Sergius. Stephen
also opposed the marriage of Charlemange to King Desiderius' daughter
and did nothing when Charlemagne repudiated her. Stephen died in 772.
Karen Rae Keck
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