The Election and Death of Stephen (Pope-Elect)

On March 23, 752, a significant but brief event transpired in the history of the Catholic Church—an election of a pope-elect who never became pope. This involves the figure of Stephen, who was elected as pope but died just days later on March 25, 752, before his consecration.

Background

• Papal Context: The period leading up to Stephen’s election was marked by political turbulence and ecclesiastical challenges following the death of Pope Zachary on March 15, 752.
• Roman Influence: The papacy at this time was heavily influenced by the political dynamics of Roman aristocracy and complicated interactions with the Lombards, who were seeking control over territories including parts of Italy.

The Election

• Election of Stephen: Just days after the death of Pope Zachary, Stephen, then a priest, was elected as his successor. The rapid election underscored the urgency felt within the Church to maintain leadership amid external threats.

Death and Consequences

• Untimely Death: Before his consecration—a necessary ritual marking the formal beginning of a pope’s reign—Stephen died. The consecration was critical not only for ecclesiastical legitimacy but also for temporal authority.
• Canon Law Implication: According to canon law, only those who were consecrated were considered canonically legitimate popes. Hence, Stephen is not listed as an official pope. This led to confusions about papal enumerations later on.

Historical Impact

• Lineage and Records: Stephen’s brief status without consecration resulted in his exclusion from official lists of popes. His brief election did influence the lineage clarification for future records.
• Successor: Following Stephen’s passing, the next elected and actually consecrated pope was Pope Stephen II (sometimes referred to historically as Stephen III to account for this incident), who assumed the papacy on March 26, 752.

Broader Significance

This occurrence highlighted the vulnerabilities within the ecclesiastical frameworks of the period, demonstrating the intersection of mortality with religious and political processes. It underscored the need for clear canonical regulations and contributed to the evolving papal procedures that continue to influence the Catholic Church’s decision-making structures today.