Pope Stephen III
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Note: In some sources, this pope is called Stephen IV and Pope Stephen II is called Stephen III. See Pope-elect Stephen for detailed explanations.
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| Stephen III | |
|---|---|
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| Birth name | ??? |
| Papacy began | August 7, 768 |
| Papacy ended | January 24, 772 |
| Predecessor | Paul I |
| Successor | Adrian I |
| Born | ?? 720 Sicily, Italy |
| Died | January 24, 772 ? |
| Other popes named Stephen | |
Pope Stephen III, (720 – January 24, 772), pope August 7, 768 – January 24, 772, was a native of Sicily.
He came to Rome during the pontificate of Gregory III and gradually rose to high office in the service of successive popes.
After the deposition of Antipopes Constantine II and Philip, Stephen was chosen to succeed him. Fragmentary records are preserved of the council (April 769) at which the degradation of Constantine was completed, certain new arrangements for papal elections made, and the practice of devotion to icons confirmed (see iconoclasm). The politics of Stephen's reign are obscure, but he inclined to alliance between the Papacy and the Lombards rather than to the Franks. He was succeeded by Adrian I.
| Roman Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Paul I |
Pope 768–772 |
Succeeded by Adrian I |
