Pope Stephen VI

Stephen VI. ( VII ) ( † 897 ) was pope from May 896 to July or August 897, previously bishop of Anagni, to whom he had appointed his predecessor Formosus. He had also appointed Cardinal Stephan.

The circumstances of his election is unclear, but he was supported by one of the powerful Roman families, the house of Spoleto, which fought at that time with other families for the impact on the papacy.

Stephan is. Known primarily for the trial of Formosus, which became known as corpse Synod and came under pressure from Spoleto undoubtedly materialize In this process, in January 897 Formosus ' rotting body was buried for more than 9 months, was exhumed, tried, and convicted of perjury and usurpation. Then the body was thrown into the Tiber. However, earlier followers of Formosus fished the body out and buried him secretly, later the body was returned to his grave in St. Peter.

This process has led an insurrection from which - although the instigator Lambert of Spoleto and his mother Ageltruda had restored their rule over Rome at the beginning of the year 897 - that was the end, that Stephen VI. was imprisoned and strangled in the following summer.