Stephen VI (VII) was a pope of the Roman Catholic Church who reigned from 896 to 897. He was born in Rome and was a member of the powerful Roman family of the Theophylacti. He was elected pope in 896, succeeding Pope Formosus, who had been deposed by his predecessor, Pope Stephen V (VI).
Stephen VI (VII) was a controversial figure in the history of the papacy. He is best known for his role in the Cadaver Synod, a trial of the corpse of Pope Formosus. Stephen VI (VII) had Formosus' corpse exhumed and brought to the papal court, where it was put on trial for various alleged crimes. The trial was a farce, and the corpse was found guilty and stripped of its papal vestments. Stephen VI (VII) then had the corpse thrown into the Tiber River.
The Cadaver Synod was widely condemned by the people of Rome and by other members of the Church. It was seen as a violation of the sanctity of the papacy and of the Church's teachings on the dignity of the human body. Stephen VI (VII) was eventually deposed by his successor, Pope Romanus.
Stephen VI (VII) was also known for his support of the Carolingian dynasty. He was a strong supporter of the Carolingian king, Charles the Fat, and was instrumental in helping Charles to gain control of the papacy. Stephen VI (VII) also supported Charles' efforts to restore the unity of the Church in the West.
Stephen VI (VII) was also known for his support of the monastic movement. He was a strong advocate of the Benedictine Rule and was instrumental in helping to spread the Rule throughout Europe. He also supported the establishment of new monasteries and the reform of existing ones.
Stephen VI (VII) was also known for his support of the arts. He was a patron of the arts and was instrumental in helping to spread the influence of the Carolingian Renaissance throughout Europe. He was also a great admirer of the works of the great Italian painters and sculptors of the time.
Stephen VI (VII) was a controversial figure in the history of the papacy. His actions during the Cadaver Synod were widely condemned, and his support of the Carolingian dynasty was seen as a betrayal of the papacy's independence. However, his support of the monastic movement and the arts was widely praised, and he is remembered as a great patron of the arts.