Pope-elect Stephen - Dual Papal Numbering

Dual Papal Numbering

The Annuario Pontificio included this Stephen in its list of popes as Pope Stephen II until the Second Vatican Council (1962–65) declared that he was not a pope, and gave all papal Stephens that followed dual numberings to reflect this change. Accordingly his successor, who was also called Stephen (752–757), was originally referred to as Stephen III in the Annuario Pontificio, which now lists him as Stephen II (III).

The Annuario Pontificio attaches to its mention of Stephen II (III) the footnote: "On the death of Zachary the Roman priest Stephen was elected; but, since four days later he died, before his consecratio, which according to the canon law of the time was the true commencement of his pontificate, his name is not registered in the Liber Pontificalis nor in other lists of the Popes."

From 752 to 942, seven popes reigned bearing the name of Stephen. Originally, they were not otherwise distinguished, as regnal numbering was not applied to popes until the 10th century. They were named Stephen II to VIII respectively after their death. The next Pope to take the name Stephen in 1057, however, after numbering had become a custom, was called Stephen IX during his life and signed all his documents "Stephanus Nonus Papa".