Pope-elect Stephen

In this article, we are going to delve into the topic of Pope-elect Stephen, exploring different perspectives and aspects that will help us understand its impact and importance today. From its origin to its relevance in various fields, Pope-elect Stephen has been the subject of interest and debate by experts and the general public. We will analyze its evolution over time, as well as its influence on society and its relevance in different areas, in order to offer a comprehensive and complete vision of Pope-elect Stephen. Through this article, we aim to shed light on this topic and provide a deep and illuminating look that allows the reader to have greater knowledge and understanding about Pope-elect Stephen.

Priest of Rome elected pope in March 752

In sources prior to the 1960s, this pope is called Stephen II and Pope Stephen II is called Stephen III.

Pope-elect Stephen
Predecessor	Zachary
Successor	Stephen II (as Pope) Celestine II (as Pope-elect)
Orders
Created cardinal	745 by Zachary
Personal details
Born	Rome
Died	(752-03-25)25 March 752 Rome
Previous post(s)	Cardinal-priest of San Crisogono (745–752)
Other popes named Stephen

Pope-elect Stephen (died 25 March 752) was a Roman priest selected in March 752 to succeed Pope Zachary. Because he died before he was consecrated, he is considered only a pope-elect rather than a legitimate pope.

Election to the Papacy

In 745, Stephen was made a cardinal-priest by Pope Zachary. His titular church was San Crisogono. Zachary died in mid-March 752. On 23 March, Stephen was selected to become the new pope. He died of a stroke only days later, before being consecrated as bishop of Rome.

According to the canon law of the time, a pope's pontificate started upon his consecration. Later canon law considered that a man became pope the moment he accepted his election, and Pope-elect Stephen was then anachronistically called Pope Stephen II. His name was removed from the list of popes in the Annuario Pontificio in 1961.

See also

• List of 10 shortest-reigning popes
• Pope John XX

References

1. ^ "Horace Mann, "Pope Stephen II" in Catholic Encyclopedia (New York 2013)".
2. ^ History's great untold stories: larger than life characters & dramatic ... By Joseph Cummins. National Geographic Books. p. 13.
3. ^ Annuario Pontificio 2012 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2012 ISBN 978-88-209-8722-0), p. 11*
4. ^ For example, see Rev. Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Full Catechism of the Catholic Religion (translated by Rev. John Fander; 1863), p. 60-61.
5. ^ Richard P. McBrien, Lives of the Popes (Harper Collins 2013 ISBN 978-0-06228834-9), p. 121