The 97th Pope
Pope Stephen IV
Pope Stephen IV, the 97th Pope
Pope Stephen IV (816–817) – He was a popular pope known for his ability to effect reconciliation in contentious situations. In his very short reign as pope, Pope Stephen's most notable act was the anointing of the emperor, Louis the Pious in Rheims in the year 816. He was the first pope to perform such an action.
Pope Stephen and the emperor reached agreement reassuring the relationship between the Frankish court and the papacy. He also won approval from the emperor to end the exile of those members of the aristocracy who opposed Pope Leo III and subsequently were sent into exile by the emperor, Charlemagne.
After his death a few months after returning from his mission to the emperor, he was buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter.
Habemus papam