Stephania was the wife of Pope Adrian II, who reigned from 867 to 872. Their marriage is notable because Adrian II was married prior to becoming Pope. This was a period in the history of the papacy when clerical marriage, although officially discouraged, was sometimes practiced, particularly before taking major orders.
Stephania and Adrian had a daughter. Both Stephania and their daughter were kidnapped and murdered in 868 by Eleutherius, the son of Bishop Arsenius, an official in the papal administration. Eleutherius, motivated by a desire for Stephania's daughter, murdered both women in a fit of rage after initially holding them captive. This event caused considerable scandal and outrage in Rome. The murderer was eventually captured and executed. The incident is a significant illustration of the political turmoil and social instability that characterized Rome in the 9th century and highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the papacy during that era.