Pope Paul I

Pope Paul I (Latin: Paulus I; 700 – 28 June 767) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the emerging Papal States from 29 May 757 to his death.

He first served as a Roman deacon and was frequently employed by his brother, Pope Stephen II, in negotiations with the Lombard kings.

The Lombards held the cities of Imola, Osimo, Bologna, and Ancona, which were claimed by the papacy, and in 758 seized upon the duchies of Spoleto and Benevento.

On his return from suppressing a revolt in Benevento, Desiderius visited Rome and compelled Paul to write to Pepin asking him to concede all the Lombard claims.

He promised to return Imola, but on condition that the pope should persuade Pepin to send back Lombard hostages held by the Franks.