Pope-elect Stephen | |
---|---|
Predecessor | Zachary |
Successor | Stephen II (as Pope) Celestine II (as Pope-elect) |
Previous post(s) | Cardinal-priest of San Crisogono (745–752) |
Orders | |
Created cardinal | 745 by Zachary |
Personal details | |
Born | |
Died | Rome | 25 March 752
Other popes named Stephen |
Pope-elect Stephen (died 25 March 752) previously known as Pope Stephen II before 1961, 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.
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. [1] [2]
According to the canon law of the time, a pope's pontificate started upon his consecration. [3] 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. [4] His name was removed from the list of popes in the Annuario Pontificio in 1961. [5]