1. Religion & Spirituality
Stephen IX (VIII)
<Back to Last Page >     <Glossary Index>

 Related Terms
pope

 

Name:
Pope Stephen IX (VIII)
Born: Frederick
Preceded by: Leo VII (936 - 939)
Succeeded by: Marinus II (942 - 946)
Roman Catholic Pope #128

Dates:
Born: ? (Rome, Italy)
Died: October, 942
Pope: July 14, 939 - October, 942 (3 years)

Biography:
Stephen was elected at a time of great discord between ecclesiastical and secular rulers. Stephen was, in fact, restricted to nothing but ecclesiastical matters and shut out of political affairs entirely by Alberic II, the ruler of Rome and the man who got Stephen elected in the first place. Unfortunately, Alberic may also be the one who took Stephen out of office - reports suggest that he was kidnapped, tortured, mutilated, and died of his wounds.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

-->

Popes and the Papacy: History, Doctrines, News About Popes
The pope may be the most visible and famous symbol of the Catholic Church. It is the office of the papacy and the assumed link back to the original apostles that differentiates Roman Catholicism from other Christian denominations. The office of the papacy is rather complicated and, much to the chagrin of believers, comes with a rather checkered past.

Pope John Paul II: Biography, History, and Policies
John Paul II has been one of the longest-lived and most influential popes in the history of the Catholic Church. For good or for ill, his policies and personality have helped shape not only the current character of Catholicism but also the direction Catholicism will take for generations to come. Because of that, it's important to take the time to carefully consider what his policies have been and how they have affected Catholics around the world.

Electing the Next Pope: Index of Resources on Papal Elections
Every human is mortal, and that includes popes. Some live and reign for extraordinarily long times while others only serve for a few days, but in the end all die and a new pope must be elected. How are papal elections run? A papal election is a process that is shrouded in secrecy; the details of any one election are supposed to be kept hidden, but general information is known.

Book Reviews: Roman Catholic Popes, Papacy, History
Who or what is the pope? The title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means "father." Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests. Today it continues to be used in Eastern Orthodox churches for the patriarch of Alexandria.

<Back to Last Page >     <Glossary Index>

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.