Pope Stephen III

illustration of Saint Stephen IV, Pope, from the book 'Saints of the Order of Saint Benedict', designed by Father Amandus Liebhaber Profile

Little is known of his early life. Educated by Benedictines in Rome, Italy, when old enough, he became monk himself. Advisor to Pope Zachary, Pope Paul I and Pope Stephen II. Repeatedly faced invasion by the Lombards, which led to alliance with Pepin of the Franks. Conflicts and alliances from battle led to Stephen being the first pope–king. Known for his love and support of the poor, and for a number of hospitals built for the indigent.

Born