Pope Stephen IV facts for kids

Pope Stephen IV (born around 770 – died January 24, 817) was the leader of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States (lands controlled by the Pope) from June 816 until his death. Stephen came from an important family in Rome. In October 816, he crowned Louis the Pious as emperor in a city called Reims. He also convinced Louis to free some Roman political prisoners. Stephen returned to Rome in November and passed away the following January.

Becoming Pope

Stephen was the son of a Roman noble named Marinus. His family also included future Popes Sergius II and Adrian II. From a young age, Stephen was trained at the Lateran Palace, a famous building in Rome.

Under Adrian I, he began his church service. Later, Pope Leo III made him a subdeacon and then a deacon. These were important roles in the church. Stephen was very popular with the people of Rome.

Just ten days after Pope Leo III died, Stephen was quickly chosen as the new Pope. He was taken to Saint Peter's Basilica and officially became the bishop of Rome on June 22, 816. Some historians believe his quick election was a way for the Roman church leaders to make sure the emperor, Louis the Pious, couldn't get involved in choosing the new Pope.

Stephen's Time as Pope

Right after becoming Pope, Stephen asked the people of Rome to promise their loyalty to Emperor Louis. Then, Stephen sent messengers to the emperor. He told Louis about his election and asked to meet him.

Louis invited Stephen to visit. So, in August 816, Stephen left Rome. Louis's nephew, King Bernard of Italy, joined Stephen. They traveled together across the Alps mountains to meet the emperor.

In early October, the Pope and the Emperor met in Reims. Louis showed great respect, bowing three times before Stephen. On Sunday, October 5, 816, Stephen held a special Mass. During this service, he anointed Louis as emperor. He also placed a crown on Louis's head. This crown was said to have belonged to Constantine the Great, a very famous Roman emperor.

Stephen also crowned Louis’ wife, Ermengarde of Hesbaye. He gave her the title Augusta, which was a special honor for empresses. This event was important because it showed the Pope's role in making an emperor. It helped confirm that the Pope had a say in who became emperor, especially since Louis had crowned himself earlier.

Louis gave Stephen many gifts. One gift was a large piece of land for the Roman church. They also renewed an old agreement between the Popes and the Frankish kings. This agreement confirmed the special rights of the Roman church. It also recognized the Papal States, which were the lands ruled by the Pope.

Stephen also promoted Bishop Theodulf of Orléans to the rank of archbishop. He also asked Louis to free all the political prisoners from Rome. These prisoners had been exiled by the emperor because of problems during Pope Leo III's early rule. It is also thought that Stephen asked Louis to make some changes for the clergy (church officials) who lived under certain rules. This included making sure that men and women lived in separate convents. They also had to share property and follow rules about how much food and wine they could have.

After visiting Ravenna on his way back, Stephen returned to Rome by the end of November 816. He seemed to change some of Pope Leo III's policies. Leo III had often favored church leaders over noble families.

In December, Stephen performed the usual ordination of new priests and bishops. He also confirmed the ownership of lands for Farfa Abbey. In return, the monks there had to say a special prayer one hundred times a day. They also had to pay the Roman Church ten golden coins each year.

Pope Stephen IV died on January 24, 817. He was buried at St. Peter's Basilica. Paschal I became the next Pope.