Pope Stephen III's election marked a significant turning point for the papacy in the late 8th century. With the Byzantine Empire's ability to provide military support waning, the newly elected pope faced immediate challenges from the Lombard Kingdom, which had ambitions to extend its control further into Italy. Recognizing the danger posed by the Lombards, Stephen turned to the Franks, who were on the rise under King Pepin the Short. This relationship was strategically important as Pepin sought to establish legitimacy and increase his influence in Italy by offering protection to the pope.

The plea for help from Pope Stephen III was not merely a request for military assistance; it was a pivotal moment that would eventually lead to the establishment of a strong alliance between the papacy and the Frankish realm. This alliance was not only vital for the security of the papacy but also shaped the political landscape of Europe as it helped solidify Pepin's authority, eventually leading to the crowning of Charlemagne, Pepin's son, as the Emperor of the Romans.

This emerging partnership between the papacy and the Franks set the stage for the future relationship between the Church and the state, emphasizing the role of the papacy as a significant political power. The Frankish protection meant not just military aid, but also a transformation in the dynamics of power, where the pope would gradually gain control over more territories, thereby establishing the base for what would become the Papal States. The events surrounding Stephen III's election and his request for aid highlight the complex interplay of religious and political authority during this period.