Michael Brooks
The Catholic Church has had 266 popes, according to the Vatican, starting with St. Peter, who is widely considered the first pope and served from 30 or 32 AD until his death sometime between 64 and 68 AD. The current pope, Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th pope. The number of popes is sometimes stated as 268, including Stephen II, who died before his episcopal consecration. However, only 265 or 266 men have occupied the chair of Saint Peter, as Benedict IX held the office thrice in the mid-11th century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Popes in the Catholic Church | 266 or 267 |
| First Pope | St. Peter |
| Current Pope | Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (Leo XIV) |
| Previous Pope | Pope Francis |
| Pope before Pope Francis | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Pope before Pope Benedict XVI | Pope John Paul II |
| Longest-serving Pope | St. Peter |
| Oldest Pope | Pope Leo XIII |
| Longest-living Pope | Benedict XVI |
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What You'll Learn
There have been 266 or 267 popes
The Catholic Church has had 266 or 267 popes in its history. The discrepancy in the numbers arises from the inclusion or exclusion of Pope Stephen II, who died four days after his election but before his episcopal consecration. The Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook) lists 267 popes under the heading "I Sommi Pontefici Romani" (The Supreme Pontiffs of Rome). However, only 265 or 266 men have occupied the chair of Saint Peter, as Pope Benedict IX held the office thrice in the mid-11th century.
The first pope is widely considered to be St. Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, dating back to the first century (around 30 or 32 AD). The exact dates of his papacy are uncertain, but it is believed that he served until his death sometime between 64 and 68 AD. St. Peter is also regarded as the longest-serving pope in history. The current pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th pope and the first American pope. He was elected following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2023, at the age of 88.
The numbering of the popes has been a subject of debate and has changed over time. Early lists of popes were written in the late 2nd century and combined contradictory traditions, with disputes even about the succession of the first popes. The historian Hermannus Contractus was the first to number the popes continuously, with his list ending in 1049 with Leo IX as number 154. The Annuario Pontificio, published annually by the Roman Curia, no longer identifies popes by regnal number, acknowledging the challenges in determining legitimate succession at certain points in history.
The title "pope," derived from the Latin "papa" meaning "father," is used by various churches to denote their high spiritual leaders. However, in English usage, it typically refers specifically to the supreme head of the Catholic Church and of the Holy See. The title has been officially used by the head of the Catholic Church since the time of Pope Siricius.
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St. Peter was the first pope
There have been 266 popes in the Catholic Church, starting with St. Peter, who is widely considered to be the first pope. However, the chronology of the early popes is heavily disputed, and there is no clear consensus on who started the church in Rome.
St. Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, is believed to be the first pope by many. He is said to have been the "rock" upon which Jesus built his church, implying that Peter was a foundational figure in the development of early Christianity. This belief is supported by writings from the late second-century church father Irenaeus, who indicated that the church in Rome was founded and organized by the apostles Peter and Paul.
However, there is little evidence to support this claim. Paul's letter to the Romans, written in the 50s CE, makes no mention of Peter, suggesting that the church was not established by him. Additionally, Peter nowhere claims supremacy over the other apostles, and his writings do not indicate that he held any special role, authority, or power over the body of Christ. He simply refers to himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" and "a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ," which contradicts the idea that he was the first pope.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Catholic Church and many Christians continue to recognize St. Peter as the first pope. He is also recognized as a saint, and his relics, consisting of bone fragments, have been presented by Pope Francis during a Mass in St. Peter's Square.
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Popes lead the Catholic Church
The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and the title is derived from the Latin word 'Papa', meaning 'Father'. The Pope is considered the successor of Saint Peter, who was one of Jesus' apostles and is widely regarded as the first Pope. The Pope is elected by a group of cardinals, who gather in Vatican City for the papal conclave.
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, and the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. He is also the Primate of Italy and the Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province. The Pope holds the highest position of authority within the Catholic Church and is the final arbiter of doctrinal disputes. He is responsible for appointing bishops and cardinals, who assist him in governing the Church.
Throughout history, there have been 266 or 267 popes, depending on the source. The discrepancy arises due to the inclusion or exclusion of Pope Stephen II, who died before his episcopal consecration. The current Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th pope and the first American Pope. He was preceded by Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American Pope and served from 2013 until his death in 2023.
The line of papal succession has been a topic of interest and discussion for many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Pope's role as the leader of the Catholic Church is significant, and the process of electing a new Pope is a centuries-old tradition that continues to capture the world's attention.
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Benedict IX held office thrice
As of 2023, there have been more than 260 men who have been the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, and the leader of the Catholic Church. One of the most intriguing and complex figures among them is undoubtedly Pope Benedict IX, who holds the unique distinction of having served as Pope during three non-consecutive periods: from 1032 to 1044, in 1045, and again from 1047 to 1048. Benedict IX's triple papacy is often regarded as one of the most controversial and tumultuous periods in the history of the Catholic Church.
The first period of his reign began in 1032 when he was elected at a very young age, possibly as young as 12 or 14 years old. He was the nephew of Pope John XIX and great-nephew of Pope Benedict VIII, and he benefited from the influence and power of his family within the Church. However, his first term as Pope was marked by accusations of immoral conduct and simony (the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices and positions). In 1044, he was expelled from Rome by the count of Tuscany, who installed Pope Sylvester III in his place.
However, Benedict IX quickly regained control of Rome and deposed Sylvester III in 1045. This marked the start of his second term as Pope. During this brief period, he is said to have sold the papacy to his godfather, Pope Gregory VI, in order to marry his betrothed. This sale caused a significant scandal, and both Benedict IX and Gregory VI were accused of simony. As a result, the German King Henry III intervened and deposed both popes, installing Pope Clement II in their place.
The year 1047 saw Benedict IX return to power for a third and final time. He regained the papacy with the support of the Roman people and nobility, taking advantage of the death of Pope Clement II and the brief reign of Pope Damasus II, which lasted only 23 days. However, his third term was also marred by controversy and opposition. In 1048, he was again expelled from Rome and replaced by Pope Leo IX, who was supported by King Henry III. This time, Benedict IX retired to his estates and lived out the remainder of his life, passing away in 1055 or 1056.
The legacy of Benedict IX is a complex one. His triple papacy was characterized by political intrigue, family influence, and accusations of impropriety. However, it is also important to note that the historical records from this period are often conflicting and incomplete, and the true nature of his reign is still a matter of scholarly debate. Nonetheless, Benedict IX remains a fascinating figure in the history of the Catholic Church, and his story provides valuable insight into the complexities and challenges faced by the Papacy during the 11th century.
In conclusion, Benedict IX's unique position as a three-time Pope highlights the complex and often turbulent nature of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. His story is a reminder that the path of the Papacy has not always been smooth, and it has been shaped by the influences of family politics, power struggles, and the interventions of European monarchs.
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Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope
The Catholic Church has had 266 popes, starting with St. Peter, who was one of Jesus' apostles and is widely considered the first pope and the longest-serving. The current pope, Pope Francis, is the 266th pope and the first Latin American pope.
Pope Francis, formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, was elected in 2013 and is the first pope from Latin America and the Global South. His election signalled a new era for the Catholic Church, with its Latin American and U.S. Hispanic members taking on more prominent roles as the locus of political power shifted to the Americas. Francis brought a "common touch" and a heightened level of social awareness to the papacy, reflecting his background and experiences in Latin America.
As archbishop of Argentina, Francis was known for his humble and austere leadership style and his profound devotion to social justice. He actively supported initiatives to alleviate poverty, evict drug dealers, and combat human trafficking in Argentina's squatter settlements. Francis also emphasised the dignity of migrants throughout his papacy, choosing to visit the island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea, a point of arrival for refugees and asylum seekers, as his first trip outside of Rome.
Francis's theology was influenced by Latin American theology and Liberation Theology, a progressive philosophy that combines Marxist critiques of capitalism with traditional Catholic concerns for the poor and marginalised. His first apostolic exhortation, "Evangelii Gaudium," encouraged the church to "go forth," share "the joy of the Gospel," and understand that "God's heart has a special place for the poor." Francis also introduced the concept of "synodality," which emphasises listening and accompaniment, becoming a key concept in the modern church.
Overall, Pope Francis's papacy transformed the Catholic Church, making it more progressive and reflective of Latin American faith traditions and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Vatican, there have been 266 popes in the Catholic Church, starting with St. Peter and ending with the current pope, Pope Francis. However, some sources quote a number of 267 or 268, depending on the inclusion of certain individuals.
St. Peter is widely considered to be the first pope and the longest-serving pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He served from 32-67 AD.
After St. Peter, St. Linus served as the second pope from 67-76 AD.
A significant number of popes have been recognized as saints, including 48 out of the first 50 consecutive popes.
Popes are chosen through a process called papal succession, which involves various procedures and traditions. The specific process can vary and has changed over time.
