 In 771, Desiderius managed to convince the new pope, Stephen III, to accept his protection.The death of Carloman left Charlemagne, now firmly on the throne after repudiating the daughter of Desiderius, freehanded.The following year a new pope, Adrian I, of the opposite party of Desiderius, reversed the delicate game of alliances, demanding the surrender of the area never ceded by Desiderius and thus causing him to resume the war against the cities of Romagna.