Stephen VIII/IX
Elected pope in 939 through the influence of Duke Alberic II of Spoleto, Stephen supported the monastic reforms of Odo of Cluny. Educated in Germany, Stephen had served as cardinal priest of Sts. Sylvester and Martin. He recognized Louis IV d'Outremer as the King of the Franks and asked Odo to broker peace between France and Spoleto in 942. In the same year, Stephen was accused of plotting against his benefactor and died from the injuries he received in prison.
Karen Rae Keck
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