Stephen IX

Frederick of Lorraine · 1057 – 1058

A reform-minded pope who appointed key reformers and advanced the movement to free the Church from lay control before dying after only eight months.

Frederick was from the ducal family of Lorraine and had served as papal legate to Constantinople. As pope, he continued the reform program begun by Leo IX, appointing Peter Damian as cardinal-bishop of Ostia and keeping Hildebrand (the future Gregory VII) as a key advisor. He planned to challenge Norman control of southern Italy and may have hoped to place his brother on the imperial throne. He died after only eight months, in 1058, but his brief pontificate helped set the stage for the Gregorian reform.

Planting Seeds

Stephen IX reigned for only eight months, but he used them well. By placing Peter Damian and Hildebrand in positions of influence, he ensured that the reform movement would survive his death. The men he appointed would reshape the Church for generations.