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From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; pp. 209-210.

The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina

Volume I.


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209

STEPHEN  V.

A.D. 816-817.

STEPHEN the fourth, a Roman, son of Julius, in the third month of his pontificate went into France to the Emperor Louis; though the reason of his journey is not certainly known. Some conjecture that it was to secure himself from the relics of the faction and conspiracy of Campulus, which, upon the death of Leo, prevailed afresh. The emperor Louis, surnamed the Godly, was now at Orleans, who, as soon has he had intelligence of the Pope’s coming, forthwith sends all the persons of principal quality to meet him; and among others, particularly Theudolphus, Bishop of Orleans, with the clergy, and a great part of the people. And Louis himself going forth a whole mile for the same purpose, as soon as he saw him, alighted off his horse, and after mutual salutations had passed between them, introduced him very honourably into the city, the clergy going before and after, repeating the hymn called “Te Deum Laudamus.” For Stephen was not only a person of noble extraction, but of such learning and integrity, that he easily gained a general veneration for sanctity, having been well instructed by an advantageous education under those two pious Popes, Adrian and Leo. Being entered into the city, supported by the emperor, because of the crowd of the people who pressed out of a desire to see him, he was conducted to the apartment appointed for him in the palace, where he often had conferences with the emperor about the composure of the affairs of Italy, besides the other frequent mutual entertainments and civilities that passed between them. Louis would have detained the Pope longer with him, had he not now been engaged in such important wars that it was necessary he should oppose the enemy in person. For both the Gascons had revolted, whom in a short time he reduced; and those of Bretagne began to endeavour a change of government, whom in like manner by his arms he kept in obedience; and moreover, at an assembly held at Aachen, he granted peace to the ambassadors sent from the Saracens inhabiting Saragossa. Stephen being now upon his departure, in imitation of our Saviour, who spared even His enemies, obtained of Louis, that all those whom Charles had punished with banishment or 210 imprisonment for their conspiracy against Leo, might have their liberty. He also carried with him a cross of great weight and value, made at the charge of Louis, and by him dedicated to St Peter. But returning to Rome, he died in the seventh month of his pontificate, and was buried in St Peter’s; and by his death the see was vacant eleven days.

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Previous Pope:  98. Leo III. 99. Stephen V. Next Pope: 100. Paschal I.

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