A candidate of the infamous Marozia, his pontificate occurred during the period known as the Saeculum obscurum.
He was probably handpicked by Marozia, the true ruler of Rome during the Saeculum obscurum, to become pope as a stop-gap measure until her own son John was ready to assume the role.
During his two years as pope, Stephen confirmed the privileges of a few religious houses in France and Italy.
[3] As a reward for helping free Stephen from the oppression of Hugh of Arles, Stephen granted Cante di Gabrielli the position of papal governor of Gubbio, and control over a number of key fortresses.
[6] Stephen died around 15 March 931, and was succeeded by Marozia's son John XI.