Stephen VI
Stephen VI was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from May 896 until his death in August 897. He is primarily known for instigating the Cadaver Synod, a trial of the corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus. This event ultimately led to widespread unrest, Stephen's imprisonment, and his subsequent strangulation.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Rome, his father was a priest named John.
- ›Made bishop of Anagni by Pope Formosus, possibly against his will.
- ›His election was sponsored by the powerful Spoleto family.
- ›An earthquake damaged the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran during his reign.
- ›The Cadaver Synod, a trial of Pope Formosus' corpse, occurred in January 897.
- ›His pontificate ended with his imprisonment and death by strangulation in August 897.
- Instigated the Cadaver Synod
- Put the Exhumed Corpse of Pope Formosus On Trial
- Condemned Formosus For His Pontificate and Ordinations
- Had Formosus' Corpse Stripped, Fingers Removed, and Reburied
- Annulled All Ordinations Performed By Formosus
- Was Imprisoned and Strangled
Pope Formosus, Dukes of Spoleto, Guy Iv of Spoleto
About Stephen VI
Pope Stephen VI
Reign: May 22, 896 – August 897
Pope Stephen VI, born in Rome to a priest named John, served as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States for a brief and tumultuous period in the late 9th century. His pontificate is singularly defined by his infamous decree to exhume and put on trial the corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, in what became known as the Cadaver Synod.
Life and Historical Context
Stephen VI's early career saw him made bishop of Anagni by Pope Formosus, an appointment that may have been against his will. His election to the papacy was not clearly documented, but it is understood that he was supported by the powerful Spoleto family, a dominant force in Roman politics at the time.
During his tenure, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran suffered significant damage from an earthquake, and the poor financial state of the Papal States meant repairs were delayed for many years, not being completed until the reign of Pope Sergius III.
The Cadaver Synod
The most notorious event of Stephen VI's pontificate was the Cadaver Synod, held in January 897. Driven by a deep animosity towards Formosus, possibly exacerbated by pressure from the Spoleto faction, Stephen had Formosus' decaying corpse exhumed and brought before a synod of Roman clergy. A deacon was appointed to speak for the deceased pope, who was condemned for various offenses, including performing episcopal functions while deposed and accepting the papacy while bishop of Portus.
The verdict against the corpse was severe: it was stripped of its sacred vestments, had three fingers of its right hand (used for blessings) removed, was clad in a layman's garb, and was then buried, only to be re-exhumed and thrown into the Tiber River. All ordinations performed by Formosus were subsequently declared invalid.
Downfall and Death
The Cadaver Synod provoked widespread outrage and a significant tumult among the populace. While the instigation of the deed may have been influenced by Formosus' political enemies, notably Guy IV of Spoleto, the scandal ultimately led to Stephen VI's downfall. He was imprisoned by his opponents and met a violent end, being strangled to death in August 897.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pope Stephen VI best known for?
Pope Stephen VI is best known for instigating the Cadaver Synod. This was an extraordinary event where he put the exhumed corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, on trial.
What happened during the Cadaver Synod?
During the Cadaver Synod in January 897, Pope Formosus' rotting corpse was propped up on a throne and put on trial. A deacon answered for the deceased pontiff, who was ultimately found guilty of various charges.
What were the consequences of the Cadaver Synod for Pope Stephen VI?
The Cadaver Synod excited a significant tumult and scandal. The unrest ultimately led to Stephen VI's imprisonment and his death by strangulation in August 897.
Who sponsored Pope Stephen VI's election?
The circumstances of Stephen VI's election are unclear, but he was sponsored by one of the powerful Roman families, the dukes of Spoleto, who were actively contesting the papacy at the time.
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