Pope Stephen VI

Stephen VI was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 22 May 896 to his death. He is best known for instigating the Cadaver Synod, which ultimately led to his downfall and death. Nothing political is remarkable from him since he didn't last long, ruling from 896-897.

The circumstances of his election as pope are unclear, but he was sponsored by one of the powerful Roman families, the Dukes of Spoleto, who contested the papacy at the time.

Stephen is chiefly remembered for his conduct towards the remains of Pope Formosus. The rotting corpse of Formosus was exhumed and put on trial, before an unwilling synod of the Roman clergy, in the so-called Cadaver Synod in January 897. Pressure from the Spoleto contingent and Stephen's fury with Formosus probably precipitated this extraordinary event