Pope Victor II was the preceding pope to Stephen IX. Victor II was born in Saxony and became a Benedictine monk. He was elected pope in 1055 and reigned for two years. He was a strong supporter of the Gregorian Reforms and opposed the practice of simony. He died in 1057 and was succeeded by Stephen IX.
Unveiling Pope Stephen IX: A Quiz on the Illustrious Leader of the Catholic Church in the 11th Century