Sergius III was a pope during a tumultuous period in the Roman Catholic Church's history. Having previously served as pope from 904 to 911, he was elected once again on January 29, 904, after coming out of retirement. At this time, the church was rife with conflict, notably due to the presence of the antipope Christopher, whose claim to the papacy had drawn supporters and opponents alike. The political landscape of Rome was heavily influenced by local families and factions that sought control over the papacy, and Sergius' election reflected a significant moment where the established hierarchy was reasserting itself against rival claims. The backdrop included ongoing power struggles not just among clerics but also between influential Roman noble families who were heavily involved in the politics of the church.

Following his election, Sergius III moved to solidify his position by seeking the support of those local families which previously may have backed his predecessor. The dynamics of papal authority under Sergius were marked by assertiveness in both ecclesiastical matters and in navigating the complex political relationships of the time. He aimed to re-establish order and legitimacy in a situation marred by contention and division. His papacy would contribute to the development of the Church's political power, further intertwining the ecclesiastical institution with secular political structures and rivalries.