You know what's wild? I used to think counting popes would be simple. Like making a grocery list. But when my history professor asked "how many popes has there been" during freshman year, my confident "265!" got shut down hard. Turns out there's way more drama than anyone expects. Antipopes, disputed elections, even a pope who got dug up and put on trial. Seriously. Let's unpack this properly.
The Quick Answer (With a Twist)
Officially, there have been 266 popes from St. Peter to Pope Francis. But that number? It's like saying you've got 10 fingers – technically true until you dive into the messy details. See, the Vatican's own list has gaps and controversies. For example, Pope Stephen II died four days after election in 752 AD before being consecrated. Is he counted? Nope. But his successor took the same name and gets included. Confusing, right?
Frankly, if someone gives you a clean number without caveats, they're oversimplifying. I learned this the hard way writing my thesis – sources argued about at least 37 borderline cases.
Why the Pope Count Gets Messy
Imagine trying to count presidents while ignoring civil wars. That's the papacy. Here's where things get hairy:
- Antipopes: Rival claimants backed by political factions. The church later declares them illegitimate, but during their "reigns," they controlled territories and issued decrees.
- Short reigns: Over 30 popes lasted less than a year. Urban VII died after 13 days in 1590. Does he "count"? Absolutely, but it blurs longevity stats.
- Name recycling: When John Paul I died in 1978 after 33 days, the next pope became John Paul II. Two popes for one calendar year? Yep.
I once spent three hours in Vatican archives cross-referencing 10th-century records. Found four antipopes even most Catholics don't know about.
Officially Recognized Popes vs. Antipopes
The church acknowledges 266 legitimate popes but has identified 39 major antipopes. Check these troublemakers out:
| Antipope Name | Year | Backed By | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hippolytus | 217–235 AD | Roman dissidents | Reconciled, died a martyr |
| Felix V | 1439–1449 | Council of Basel | Resigned, became cardinal |
| Benedict X | 1058–1059 | Roman nobles | Deposed, died imprisoned |
| John XXIII | 1410–1415 | Pisan cardinals | Imprisoned after Council of Constance |
(Note: John XXIII was an antipope; the 20th-century Pope John XXIII reused the name intentionally to "clear" it)
Kinda crazy how Benedict X got excommunicated twice. The second time was posthumously – they literally put his corpse on trial. Medieval politics were hardcore.
Breaking Down the Papal Numbers
Want to know how many popes has there been by era? This table clarifies:
| Historical Period | Number of Popes | Duration | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Church (Peter–Zephyrinus) | 16 | 30–217 AD | Persecutions, catacomb burials |
| Late Antiquity (Callixtus I–Boniface II) | 48 | 217–532 AD | Council of Nicaea, fall of Rome |
| Medieval Era (John II–Boniface VIII) | 122 | 532–1303 AD | Great Schism, Crusades |
| Renaissance to Now (Benedict XI–Francis) | 80 | 1303–present | Reformation, Vatican II |
Notice the medieval cluster? That's when rival noble families treated the papacy like their personal property. Between 872-1012 AD, one-third of popes died violently – poisoned, strangled, or deposed. Not a job with great retirement benefits back then.
Records That'll Shock You
People always ask me about extremes after I explain how many popes has there been. Here's the wildest stuff:
Marathon Runners vs. Sprinters
| Longest-Reigning Popes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pope | Years | Dates |
| St. Peter | 34–37 years | ?–64/68 AD |
| Pius IX | 31.5 years | 1846–1878 |
| John Paul II | 26.5 years | 1978–2005 |
| Shortest Papal Reigns | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pope | Duration | Year |
| Urban VII | 13 days | 1590 |
| Boniface VI | 15 days | 896 |
| Celestine IV | 17 days | 1241 |
Poor Celestine IV died before coronation because Roman senators locked cardinals in a rotting building until they elected someone. The stench literally killed him. Makes you appreciate modern elections.
Speaking of weirdness – ever hear of Pope-elect Stephen? Elected in 752 AD but had a stroke before consecration. Modern lists start counting from his successor. So when researching how many popes has there been, always check if they count "popes-elect".
Your Burning Questions Answered
How many popes resigned voluntarily?
Only four quit willingly:
- Benedict IX (1045) – reportedly sold the papacy
- Celestine V (1294) – hated politics, became a hermit
- Gregory XII (1415) – ended the Western Schism
- Benedict XVI (2013) – health reasons (first in 600 years)
Celestine tried to escape by boat but got dragged back. When I saw his cell in Castel Fiorentino? Tiny. Can't blame him.
Was there really a female pope?
The Pope Joan myth? Zero historical proof. First appeared in 13th-century chronicles claiming a woman reigned as John VIII around 855 AD. Scholars universally debunk it now. My theory? It was medieval gossip mocking corrupt popes.
How many popes became saints?
About 80 – but early popes dominate the list. Of the first 50 popes, 48 are saints. After 900 AD? Only 5 made the cut. Modern sainthood requires miracles, like John Paul II curing a nun of Parkinson's.
Can a pope be removed?
Technically no, but history shows workarounds:
- Deposed by emperors (e.g., Benedict V in 964)
- Forced resignations (like Benedict IX in 1046)
- Posthumous trials (Formosus in 897 – the "Cadaver Synod")
Today, only death or resignation ends a papacy.
Why Accurate Numbers Matter
When Benedict XVI resigned, conspiracy theorists claimed he was the 112th pope since Peter – citing prophecies about "112 popes before doomsday." Actual count? 266. Shows how messy counts fuel myths.
Here's what most articles skip about how many popes has there been:
- National origins: Only 3 non-European popes since 1585 (all Latin American)
- Name frequency: John wins (23 times), Gregory and Benedict tie (16 each)
- Violent ends: 1 in 10 popes died unnaturally before 1500 AD
Last year, I met a Vatican archivist who showed me damaged 14th-century documents. "Every number is political," he whispered. He wasn't wrong. Lists changed depending on whether you supported Rome or Avignon.
Final Thoughts on Papal Math
So how many popes has there been? 266 is the Vatican's position. But dig deeper and you'll find layers – antipopes, disputed successions, and tragic footnotes. Personally, I think focusing solely on "how many" misses the point. What fascinates me is how each pope reflects their era. From fishermen to diplomats, saints to scoundrels. The count will keep climbing.
Next time someone asks you "how many popes has there been," give them the number but tell them about Hippolytus too. History’s more fun with rebels and resignations. Trust me, that dinner party anecdote never fails.
Leave a Comments