5/17/2017 SuccessionofthePopes

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SuccessionofthePopes
DanielJ.Castellano(2007)

[ListofPopes]

WhereasmostlistsofclaimantstotheseeofPeterdonotadequatelyexplainwhy
someareregardedaspopesandothersasantipopes,thefollowinglineageprovides
explanationsofthecircumstancesofeachpapalaccessionorclaim,withanattempt
tobetruetothecontextoftheperiod,asthesecularclaimsofthepapacyhave
changedovertime.

ThePopeisthesuccessorofSt.PeterbyvirtueofbeingtheBishopofRome,hencea
candidateassumesthepapacyuponbecomingtheBishopofRome,whoiselectedby
theclergyofthatcity.APopemaynominateasuccessor,butsincehisreignends
withhisdeath,hehasnolawfulmeansofimposinghisnomineeasPopewithoutthe
consentoftheelectors.

Ifthepopeelectisalreadyabishop,heassumesthepapacyimmediatelyuponhis
assentotherwise,hebecomesPopeassoonasheisordainedbishop,whichmay
takeplaceintheconsecrationceremony.Inthefirstmillennium,itwasconsidered
irregularforabishoptochangesees,somostelectedpopeswerenotalready
bishops,makingtheconsecrationceremonycrucial.

Inordertopreventdisputedpapalelections,thecustomaroseofhavingtheelection
confirmedbytheemperorpriortoconsecration.Thiscustomwasabusedbyseveral
emperorstoattempttomanipulatetheoutcomeofelections.However,solongas
theRomanclergyfreelyoffertheirsubmissiontothenominee,hebecomesPope
regardlessofpriorinterference.Owinginparttotheinconvenienceofwaitingfor
theGermanemperor'sconfirmation,thepracticewasgraduallyabandonedinthe
seventhandeighthcenturies,thoughitwasstillconsideredgoodformtonotifythe
emperor.

ElectionsofthePopewereoriginallymadeonlybytheRomanclergy,thoughat
varioustimesfromthefourthcenturyonward,laymenwereallowedtoparticipate
eitheraselectorsortoconfirmacceptance.Theclergyalsoretaintherighttorestrict
electionstoonlythehigherclergy,asoccurrednumeroustimesinthefirst
millennium,finallyculminatinginthesystemoftheconclaveofRomancardinals
generallyusedsincetheeleventhcentury.

ThePopepossessedtractsoflandsincetheearlyMiddleAges,butitwasnotuntil
theDonationofPepin(755)thatheassumedtemporalsovereigntyoverasubstantial
portionofItaly.Thissovereigntywaspassedtolaterpopes(asconfirmedby
Charlemagne),sothattemporalruleoverthePapalStateswasassumedbyvirtueof
beingtheBishopofRome.IntheHighMiddleAges,thisPatrimoniumPetriwas
erroneouslybelievedtohavebeenthegiftofConstantine,duetoaneighthcentury
forgery.Nonetheless,thebasisofthepapalclaimishardlychangedbythefactthat
donationwasfromPepin,dependingineithercaseonthevoluntaryactofa
temporalsovereign.Nopopeeverclaimeduniversaltemporalpower,thoughmost
maintainedthattheircontinuedsovereigntyoverthePapalStateswasessentialto
theindependenceandselfsufficiencyoftheChurch,aswellasessentialtothe

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dignityofthepapacy,whichisjudgedbynoman.Themodernpopesretain
temporalsovereigntyonlyoverVaticanCity,andmosthaveforgonethetrappingsof
temporalmonarchy,inordertoemphasizethatthePope'suniversalecclesiastical
jurisdictionandstatusasSupremePontiffareinnowisedependentonhistemporal
sovereignty.

1.St.Peter,ApostleandMartyr(4267)
Reigned25years.ChiefoftheApostlesandvisibleheadoftheChurchsince
Christ'sAscension(AD29).EstablishedChurchinRomec.4042.Martyred
AD64or67.
2.St.Linus(6776)
Reigned12yrs,4mos.HisyearsofrulearepossiblyreckonedfromAD64,
whileadministratoroftheRomanChurchduringSt.Peter'simprisonment.
3.St.Anacletus(Cletus),Martyr(7688)
Reigned12years.
4.St.ClementI(8897)
Reigned9years.
5.St.Evaristus,Martyr(97105)
Reigned8years.
6.St.AlexanderI(105115)
Reigned10years.
7.St.SixtusI(115125)
Reigned10years.
8.St.Telesphorus,Martyr(125136)
Reigned11years.
9.St.Hyginus(136140)
Reigned4years.
10.St.PiusI(140155)
Reigned15years.
11.St.Anicetus,Martyr(155166)
12.St.Soter(166174)
Reigned8years.
13.St.Eleutherius(174189)
14.St.VictorI(189199)
15.St.Zephyrinus(199218)
16.St.CallistusI(218223)
Reigned5years.
St.Hippolytus,AntipopeandMartyr(218236)
Electedbyasmallminorityasantipopeinreactiontoelectionof
Callistus,whomheerroneouslyaccusedofheresy.Hemadepeacewith
theChurchbeforehismartyrdom,andwasburiedwithhonors.

17.St.UrbanI(22330)
Reigned8years.
18.St.Pontian,Martyr(23035)
BanishedduringRomanpersecutiontogetherwithHippolytus,sharing
martyrdomwiththeantipopein236.Heresignedin235sothepapacywould
notbeeffectivelyvacant.
19.St.Anterus,Martyr(23536)
Reigned40days.
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20.St.Fabian,Martyr(23650)
Reigned14years.
21.St.Cornelius,Martyr(25153)
Novatian,Antipope(251)
ElectedantipopebyhisfollowersinreactiontoCornelius'election
excommunicatedthatsameyearbyacouncilofsixtybishops.

22.St.LuciusI,Confessor(25354)
BrieflyexiledfromRomein253duringpersecution.
23.St.StephenI(254257)
PossiblyappointedbyLuciusashissuccessor.
24.St.SixtusII,Martyr(257258)
25.St.Dionysius(260268)
26.St.FelixI(269274)
27.St.Eutychian(275283)
28.St.Caius(283296)
Reigned12years,4months.
29.St.Marcellinus(296304)
30.St.MarcellusI,Martyr(308309)
Diedinexile.
31.St.Eusebius,Martyr(309/310)
Reigned4months.Diedinexilehonoredasmartyr.
32.St.Miltiades(310/1114)
33.St.SylvesterI(31435)
34.St.Marcus(336)
35.St.JuliusI(33752)
36.Liberius(35266)
Exiledbyemperorin357restoredlaterthatyear.
Felix,Antipope(357)
NominatedbyemperorastheexiledLiberius'replacementrejectedby
Romanclergyandpopulace.

37.St.DamasusI,Confessor(36683)
Ursinus,Antipope(36768)
ElectedbyaminoritydissatisfiedwithPopeDamasusbanishedfrom
RomebyEmperorValentinian.

38.St.Siricius(38499)
39.St.AnastasiusI(399401)
Reignedlessthanfouryears.
40.St.InnocentI(40117)
41.St.Zosimus(41718)
Eulalius,Antipope(418)
ElectedbyRomandeaconswhobarredentryofthehigherclergyinto
theLateran,immediatelyafterdeathofZosimus.Hisclaimwasrejected
bytheemperorwithinmonths.

42.St.BonifaceI(41822)
Electedbyhigherclergy(9bishopsand70priests).Recognizedastruepope

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bytheemperor.UponBoniface'srequest,EmperorHonoriuslegislatedthat,
inthefuture,disputedpapalelectionswillresultinrecognitionofneither
candidate,andanewelectionwouldbeheld.
43.St.CelestineI(42232)
44.St.SixtusIII(43240)
45.St.LeoItheGreat(44061)
46.St.Hilarius(46168)
Reigned6years,3months.
47.St.Simplicius(46883)
48.St.FelixIII(II)(48392)
Reigned8years,11months.
49.St.GelasiusI(49296)
50.AnastasiusII(49698)
51.St.Symmachus(498514)
ElectionbyRomanclergyconfirmedbypartofthesenate.In499,hehelda
synodforbiddingcampaigningforpapalvoteswhileapopelived.In501,
supportersofLaurentiusevictedthePopefromtheLateran.TheGothicking
TheodoricinvestigatedtheiraccusationsagainstSymmachusin502.Asynod
of75bishops,includingthoseofMilanandRavenna,declaredthatthepope
couldnotbejudgedbythemandhewasexoneratedofallcharges,freeto
exercisehisoffice.TheodoricallowedtheantipopeLaurentiustoreturntothe
Laterannonethess,whereheremaineduntilbanishedbythekingfouryears
later.
Laurentius,Antipope(498506)
Electedbyaminorityofclergyandapartofthesenate.Seizedthe
Lateranin501.Condemnedasaschismaticbyasynodof75bishopsin
502,henonethelessremainedinRomeaskingTheodoricwouldnot
enforcethesynod'sdecree.FinallydeposedbyTheodoricfouryears
later.

52.St.Hormisdas(51423)
53.St.JohnI,Martyr(52326)
Reigned2years,9months.ImprisonedbyTheodoricanddiedamartyr.
54.St.FelixIV(III)(52630)
NominatedbyTheodoricapprovedbyclergyandlaity.ChoseBonifaceashis
successor.
Dioscorus,Antipope?(530)
60outof67RomanpriestsrejectedBoniface'sappointmentbyPope
Felix,himselfafavoriteoftheGothicking,andinsteadelected
Dioscorusaspope.Hediedafewweekslater.

55.BonifaceII(53032)
Notelected,butappointedbyhispredecessor.AnathematizedDioscorus,and
receivedpledgeofobediencefromhiselectorsinDec.530.Passed
constitutiongrantinghimselfrighttoappointhissuccessor,butuniversal
disfavorcompelledhimtorescindit(531).
56.JohnII(53335)
Priortoelection,theSenateoutlawedsimonyinpapalelections.Disputed
elections,bydecreeoftheGothicking,couldbesubmittedtothejudgmentof
officialsatRavenna.

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57.St.AgapetusI(53536)
BurnedtheanathemaofBonifaceagainstDioscorus.
58.St.Silverius,Martyr(53637?)
ElectedduetoinfluenceofOstrogothkingreceivedconsentofRomanclergy.
In537,theByzantinesoccupiedRome,accusedSilveriusoftreasonand
exiledhim.Hediedinexile,probablyshortlythereafter.
59.Vigilius(537?55)
NominatedbytheByzantineempress,hewaselectedpopeaftertheunjust
exileofSilverius.HewasrecognizedbytheRomanclergyafterthedeathof
theexiledpope.
60.PelagiusI(55661)
61.JohnIII(56174)
Consecrationdelayedseveralmonthswhileawaitingimperialconfirmation.
62.BenedictI(57579)
11monthsdelayawaitingimperialconfirmation.
63.PelagiusII(57990)
Consecratedwithoutimperialconfirmationduetoblockade.
64.St.GregoryItheGreat(590604)
6monthsdelayforimperialconfirmation.
65.Sabinian(604606)
Severalmonthsdelayforimperialconfirmation.
66.BonifaceIII(607)
Decreedthatnoonemaydiscussappointmentofsuccessorwhilepopelives,
andelectionsmaybeginnosoonerthanthethirddayafterhisdeath.
67.St.BonifaceIV(60815)
68.St.Deusdedit(AdeodatusI)(61518)
69.BonifaceV(61925)
70.HonoriusI(62538)
ThoughposthumouslycondemnedbytheSixthEcumenicalCouncilfor
prohibitingorthodoxformulae,hewasnotapositiveheretic,henceavalid
pope.
71.Severinus(640)
Electedin638,hedidnotreceiveimperialconfirmationuntilafterprotracted
refusaltosigntheemperor'shereticalprofessionoffaith.
72.JohnIV(64042)
ProbablyconfirmedbyExarchofRavenna.
73.TheodoreI(64249)
ElectionconfirmedbyExarchofRavenna.
74.St.MartinI,Martyr(64955)
Didnotawaitimperialconfirmation.Unlawfullydeposedin653andbrought
toConstantinople,wherehediedamartyr.
75.St.EugeneI(65557)
Electedpopein654,possiblywithimperialinfluence.PopeSt.Martin
assentedtohiselectionafterthefact.
76.St.Vitalian(65772)
77.Adeodatus(II)(67276)
78.Donus(67678)

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79.St.Agatho(67881)
Emperorpromisedtoreduceorabolishtaxpaidbypopesafterconsecration.
80.St.LeoII,Confessor(68283)
Elected681,butlongdelay(1year,7months)inimperialconfirmation.In
ratifyingcondemnationofPopeHonorius,heclarifiedthatHonoriusdidnot
positivelyteachheresy.
81.St.BenedictII(68485)
11monthsdelayinconsecration,awaitingimperialconfirmation.Received
decreefromemperorabolishingrequirementofimperialconfirmation,
possiblyreplacingitwithconfirmationbyexarchinItaly.
82.JohnV(68586)
Immediatelyconsecratedwithoutimperialconfirmation.
83.Conon(68687)
SentnoticeofelectiontoExarchofRavenna.
84.St.SergiusI(687701)
PascalandTheodorewereelectedbyfactionalintrigues,buttheRoman
clergyandpeoplechoseSergius,whoalonewasconsecrated.
85.JohnVI(70105)
86.JohnVII(70507)
87.Sisinnius(708)
Reigned3weeksdiedofgout.
88.Constantine(70815)
89.St.GregoryII(71531)
90.St.GregoryIII(73141)
ElectionpresumablyconfirmedbyexarchatRavenna.
91.St.Zachary(74152)
Consecratedimmediatelyafterelection.
Stephen(II),Popeelect(752)[1]
Diedbeforebeingconsecrated,sobythecanonsofthattimehewas
neverlawfullypope.Moreover,sincehewasonlyapriestandnota
bishopatthetimeofelection,hecouldnotvalidlybecomepopeuntil
receivingordinationtoepiscopate.Nonetheless,forseveralcenturies
hewasincludedinpapallists.

92.StephenII(III)(75257)
ReceivedDonationofPepin(756),becomingtemporalsovereignovercentral
Italy.
93.St.PaulI(75767)
Constantine,Antipope(767)
LaymanforciblyimposedbyTuscansaspopewhilePopePaulstill
lived.DeposedbyRomanswithaidofLombards.

Philip,Antipope(767)
SecretlyelectedbyLombardsdeposedbyRomans.

94.StephenIII(IV)(76872)
Canonicallyelectedafterusurpersweredeposed.Laterancouncil(769)
forbadelaymenfromparticipatinginpapalelections,andallowedonly
cardinalstobecomepopes.
95.AdrianI(77295)
Reigned23years,10months.Charlemagne(774)reaffirmedtheterritorial
giftofPepintothePopes.
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96.St.LeoIII(795816)
ElectedthedayafterAdrian'sdeathconsecratedonthesecondday.Notified
Charlemagneafterthefact.
97.StephenIV(V)(81617)
SentnoticeofelectiontoLouisafterconsecration.
98.St.PaschalI(81724)
ConsecrateddayafterPopeStephen'sdeath.
99.EugeneII(82427)
HewasthecandidatepreferredbyRomannobleswhoillicitlyparticipatedin
theelectionprocess.Aconcordatwiththeemperor(824)reinforcedPope
Stephen'sdecree(769)thatlaypersonsareexcludedfrompapalelections.No
papalelectionscouldbemadecontrarytothecanons,andnopopecouldbe
consecratedwithouttheemperor'senvoyspresent.
100.Valentine(827)
Ruledlittlemorethanamonth.
101.GregoryIV(82844)
Electedin827duetoinfluenceofRomannobility,butbelatedlyapprovedfor
consecrationbyLouisthePious.
102.SergiusII(84447)
Electedbyamajorityandconsecrated,despiteanattemptbyamobto
imposeanothercandidate.Didnotseekimperialconfirmation,sothe
Emperor'ssonLouisverifiedtheelection'svalidityafterthefact.
103.St.LeoIV(84755)
Consecratedwithoutimperialconfirmation,duetosiegeofRome.
104.BenedictIII(85558)
LegatessenttoconfirmBenedict'selectiontotheemperorinsteadbetrayed
thePopeandnominatedtheexcommunicatedCardinalAnastasiusinstead.
Benedictwasimprisoned,butthenrestoredtothepapacywithinafew
monthsduetotheprotestsoftheRomanclergyandpeople.
105.St.NicholasItheGreat(85867)
Electionwasinfluencedbytheemperor.Heldasynodin862restoringright
ofRomannoblestovoteinpapalelections.
106.AdrianII(86772)
107.JohnVIII(87282)
108.MarinusI(MartinII)(88284)
PossiblyelectedonthedayofPopeJohn'sdeath.Consecratedwithout
confirmationoftheineptemperorCharlestheFat.
109.St.AdrianIII(88485)
110.StephenV(VI)(88591)
Consecratedwithoutimperialconfirmation,butelectionwasacceptedby
CharlestheFat.
111.Formosus(89196)
In867,PopeNicholashaddeclinedtomakeFormosusArchbishopof
Bulgariasinceitwasuncanonicalforabishoptotransfertoanotherdiocese.
Thisruledidnotpreventhiseligibilityasapapalcandidatein872.For
politicalreasons,PopeJohnbanishedFormosusfromRomeandlaicizedhim
underthreatofexcommunication.ThissentencewasrevokedunderPope
Marinus,whorestoredhimasBishopofPorto.In891,hewaselectedpope
withoutincident,butthevalidityofhispapacywaschallengedposthumously
byseveralofhissuccessors.

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112.BonifaceVI,ofdoubtfulvalidity(896)
Atwicedefrockedclericelectedbyamobhediedfifteendayslater.His
electionwasapparentlydeclarednullbyPopeJohnIXin898onthegrounds
thathewasnotapriestingoodstandingatthetimeofelection.Nonetheless,
hehasbeenincludedinmodernlistsofthepopes.
113.StephenVI(VII)(89697)
Perhapsatimperialprodding,StephenexhumedthecorpseofFormosusand
condemnedthedeadpopeforillicitlymovingfromtheSeeofPortotothatof
Rome,anironicchargeconsideringStephenhimselfhadbeenBishopof
Anagnibeforebecomingpope.Formosus'corpsewasstrippedofpapal
vestmentsandcastintotheTiber.TheoutragedRomansimprisoned
Stephen,whowasstrangledtodeath.
114.Romanus(89798)
Possiblydeposedillicitlybyarivalfactiondiedwithinmonths.
115.TheodoreII(898)
ConfirmedvalidityofordinationsunderPopeFormosus,andreburiedthe
pontiffatSt.Peter's.Reignedonly20days.
116.JohnIX(898900)
Inasynodheldin898,JohnnullifiedStephen'sgrislytrialand
condemnationofFormosus,andreaffirmedthevalidityofordinationsby
Formosus.Thepopeelectcouldnotbeconsecratedwithoutpresenceof
imperialenvoys,inordertoreduceinfluenceofRomanfactions.
117.BenedictIV(90003)
118.LeoV(903)
ReignedaboutamonthbeforebeingimprisonedbyCardinalChristopher.He
waseitherkilledbySergiusIIIordiednaturallyincaptivity.
Christopher,Antipope(903)
ViolentlydeposedPopeLeoandmadehimselfpope,untiltheRomans
imprisonedhimforhisusurpation.

119.SergiusIII,ofdoubtfulvalidity(90411)
InvitedbytheRomanstoreplacetheantipopeChristopher,Sergiusdeclared
nulltheordinationsperformedbyFormosus,perhapsinpartbecause
FormosushadmadeSergiusbishopofCaere,renderinghimcanonically
ineligibleforthepapacy.Nonetheless,Sergiushadbeenconsideredavalid
candidatein898.ItisunclearwhetherhehadLeoandChristopherkilled,or
ifthetruepopeLeocontinuedtolivethroughoutSergius'reign,whichwould
makehimanantipope.
120.AnastasiusIII(91113)
121.Lando(91314)
122.JohnX(91428)
Becamepopethroughtheinfluenceofaristocraticrelatives.Hewas
imprisonedin928,anddiedshortlythereafter.
123.LeoVI,ofdoubtfulvalidity(928929)
Reigned7months.IfJohnXwasstillalive,hewouldbeanantipope.
124.StephenVII(VIII),ofdoubtfulvalidity(92931)
IfJohnXwasstillalive,hewouldbeanantipope.
125.JohnXI(93136)ElectedthroughtheintriguesofSenatrixMarozia.When
shewasoverthrownandimprisonedbyhersonAlbericII(932),thepopewas
reducedtospiritualduties,whileecclesiasticalandtemporalaffairswere
handledbyAlberic.
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126.LeoVII(93639)
EnthronedbyAlberic.
127.StephenIX(93942)
SubjecttoAlberic.
128.MarinusII(MartinIII)(94246)
EnthronedbyAlberic.
129.AgapetusII(94655)
SubjecttoAlberic.
130.JohnXII(95564)
In954,AlbericforcedtheRomannoblestosweartheywouldelecthisonly
sonOctavianpopeuponthedeathofAgapetus.In955,Octavianwaselected
asPopeJohn,amanofscandalouslycorruptmorals.TheGermankingOttoI
recognizedJohn'sfullspiritualandtemporalauthorityinRome,and
consentedtobecrownedemperorbyhimin962.OttoagreedwithJohnthat
papalelectionsshouldbeheldcanonically,andconsecrationshouldtake
placeonlyaftermakingpledgestotheemperor.InDec.963,Johnwas
deposedbyasynodoffiftybishops,withtheemperor'sconsent.Theelection
ofanewpopeLeowasthoroughlyuncanonical.ARomaninsurrection
expelledtheimperialpartyin964,enablingJohntoreturntoRome.LeoVIII
wasexcommunicatedanddeclaredtobeinvalidlyordained.PopeJohndied
shortlythereafter.
LeoVIII,Antipope(96365)[2]
UncanonicallyordainedandinvalidlyelectedpopewhileJohnXIIstill
lived,LeowasimposedontheRomansastheirpopebyEmperorOtto
inDec.963.ApopularrevoltrestoredPopeJohn,anduponhisdeath
theRomanselectedBenedictaspope.OttobanishedBenedict,and
againimposedLeoaspopeuntilhisdeathin965.

131.BenedictV(964965)
ElectedbytheRomansuponthedeathofJohnXII,hewascapturedbythe
emperoramonthlater.HewasimprisonedinGermanyandforciblydeposed.
HecontinuedtoberecognizedaspopebytheRomansandevensome
Germanclergy.UponthedeathoftheantipopeLeo,theRomansrequested
Benedict'sreturn,buttheemperorrefusedandBenedictdiedmonthslater.
132.JohnXIII(96572)
NominatedbyemperorformerbishopofNarni.InDec.965,hewas
capturedbyRomannobleshostiletotheemperor,butheescapedhisprison.
InNov.966,theemperorsuppressedtheRomanconspiracyandrestored
PopeJohn.
133.BenedictVI(97374)
Consecrationdelayedseveralmonthswaitingforemperor'sratification.He
wascapturedbyRomannoblesandstrangledtodeath.
BonifaceVII,Antipope(97485)
InvalidlyelectedbytheRomanfactionthatimprisonedBenedictVI,
thisantipopeorderedtheexecutionofthetruepope.Amonthlater,the
emperor'senvoytookcontrolofRome,forcingBonifacetoflee.Upon
thedeathofOttoII(Dec.983),hereturnedtoRomeandimprisoned
JohnXIV(Apr.984),whodied4monthslater.Afterhisdeathin985,
hisbodywasdraggedthroughthestreetsbyamobandsubjectedto
publicdesecration.

134.BenedictVII(97483)
UndertheinfluenceoftheimperialenvoywhoattemptedtogetBenedictVI

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released,theRomanselectedanotherBenedictaspope,whiletheantipope
Bonifacefledthecity.
135.JohnXIV(98384)
Electedwithemperor'sconsent.ImprisonedbyantipopeBonifacein984
died4monthslater.
136.JohnXV(XVI)(98596)
ElectedafterthedeathofantipopeBoniface(bysomeaccounts,anotherPope
Johnhadafourmonthreignjustbeforehis,makinghimthesixteenthPope
John).SubjecttothepatricianJohnCrescentius,whowieldedtemporal
authority.
137.GregoryV(99699)
Nominatedbyhisrelative,EmperorOttoIII.AfterOttoleftRome,Gregory
wasdrivenfromthecitybythenobleCrescentiusNumentanus,who
establishedtheantipopeJohnXVI(997).GregorywasrestoredatRomethe
followingyear.
JohnXVI,Antipope(99798)
InvalidlynamedpopebythenobleCrescentiusNumentanus,who
expelledGregoryVfromRome.Theemperor'stroopscapturedJohna
yearlater,andhewasmutilatedanddegraded,whileCrescentiuswas
hanged.

138.SylvesterII(9991003)
Electedthroughimperialinfluence.
139.JohnXVII(1003)
ElectedunderinfluenceofJohnCrescentius,sonofCrescentius
Numentanus.
140.JohnXVIII(100309)
ElectedthrouchCrescentius'influence.
141.SergiusIV(100912)
142.BenedictVIII(101224)
ForciblyacquiredpapacythroughTusculaninfluence.
143.JohnXIX(102432)
BrotherofBenedictandalaymanwhowastemporalrulerofRome,was
electednonetheless.RecognizedbyByzantineemperor,untilherefusedto
recognizetitleofecumenicalpatriarch.
144.BenedictIX(103245)
NephewofJohnIXandsonofAlberic,whogavethepapacytohisyoung,
immoralprogeny.HewasexpelledfromRomein1044,andSylvesterIIIwas
electedpopethefollowingyear.BenedictexpelledSylvesterin1045,then
resignedthepapacyinexchangeforalargesum.GregoryVIwasthenelected,
butBenedictrenegedandsoughttodeposehim.Allthreepapalclaimants
weredeposedatacouncilsummonedbyKingHenryIIIin1046,andPope
ClementIIwaselected,onlytodieshortly.BenedictrecapturedRomein
1047,onlytobeexpelledagainin1048.Itisuncertainwhetherheever
renouncedhispapalclaim.
SylvesterIII,Antipope(104546)[3]
Invalidlyelectedpontiffinreactiontothedissolutebehaviorof
Benedict.ExpelledfromRomebyBenedictin1045anddeposedbythe
CouncilofSutriin1046.

145.GregoryVI(104546)
GodfatherofBenedict,hepaidtheimmoralpopealargesumtoresign,and

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wasrecognizedasthenewpopebySt.PeterDamian,despitetheapparent
taintofsimony.HeabdicatedaftertheCouncilofSutrideclaredhisaccession
simoniacal,anddiedin1047.
BenedictIX,Antipope?(104546)[4]
Repentingofhissaleofthepapacy,BenedictsoughttodeposeGregory,
untilhewashimselfdeposedin1046bytheCouncilofSutri,which
declaredhehadforfeitedhisclaimbyresigningtheoffice.

146.ClementII(104647)
NominatedbyHenryIIItoendschism.Diedshortlythereafter.
BenedictIX,Antipope?(104748)[5]
AfterClement'sdeath,BenedictseizedRomeonelasttime,beforebeing
definitivelyexpelled.Hemayhaverelinquishedhisclaimsometime
afterward.

147.DamasusII(1048)
InDec.1047,theRomansnotifiedHenryIIIofClement'sdeath(July).The
emperor'snomineewasinstalledasPopeDamasus,whileBenedictwas
banished.Reigned23days.
148.St.LeoIX(104954)
Nominatedbytheemperor,yetfreelyelectedbytheRomans.
149.VictorII(105557)
Nominatedbytheemperor,butacceptedonlyonconditionofrestorationof
papallands.
150.StephenIX(X)(105758)
Freelyelected.
BenedictX,Antipope(105859)
Violentlyacquiredthrone,indefianceofStephen'sordertowaitfor
Hildebrandbeforeelectingasuccessor.ExpelledinJan.1059and
forcedtocapitulatethatautumn.

151.NicholasII(105861)
Receivedimperialconfirmationpriortoelectioncoronationceremony
delayedtoJan.1059,afterBenedictXwasexpelledfromRome.In1059,a
Lateransynodreformedpapalelections.Henceforth,popesweretobeelected
bycardinalsonly,whiletheRomanpeoplecouldacclaimthepopeelect.If
violenceorstrifepreventsthecoronationceremony,thePopestillenjoysfull
authoritythusNicholaswasPopeevenbeforehiscoronation.Theemperor's
rightofconfirmationisrecognized,butonlyasaprivilegegrantedbythe
papacy.Inreaction,aGermansynoddeclaredthesedecreesnullanddeposed
Nicholas,whononethelessremainedPopeinRomewithNormanprotection.
152.AlexanderII(106173)
Electedbycardinals.Emperorrefusedtoconsiderconfirmation,but
Alexanderwasenthronedanyway.Romannoblesprotested,andGerman
EmpressAgnesconvokedanassemblythatelectedantipopeHonorius.The
usurperforcedAlexanderoutofRomebrieflyin1062,andagainforayear
(106364),beforeAlexander'slegitimacywasunequivocallyestablished.
HonoriusII(Cadalous),Antipope(106164)
Bishopsandnoblesopposedtothecardinalate'scontrolofpapal
electionschoseaspopeCadalous,whotookthenameHonorius.He
seizedRomeinApril1062,butwasexpelledthenextmonth.In
October,AnnoofColognereplacedEmpressAgnesasregent,and
foundAlexander'selectionvalid.Cadalouswasexcommunicatedin

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1063,buthewasstillabletoinvadeRomeandoccupyitforayear,until
forcedtoflee.TheCouncilofMantuacondemnedhimin1064.

153.St.GregoryVII(107385)
Electedcanonicallyinthewakeofwideacclamation.Deferredconsecration
untilemperorconfirmedtheelection,thelasttimeimperialconfirmationwas
sought.EffectivelyexcommunicatedHenryIVin1075bybanninglay
investitureofbishops.

ClementIII,Antipope(10801100)
EmperorHenryIVconvokedasynodatWorms(1076)todepose
Gregory,andin1080herecognizedthearchbishopofRavennaaspope.
HenrymomentarilysucceededindisplacingGregoryfromRome
(1084),butwassoonforcedtoretreat,andhispawnClementwas
recognizedonlyinpartsofGermany.Clement'spartywasabletobriefly
expelPopeVictorIII(1087)andUrbanII(1089).By1098,hewas
utterlydefeated,andretreatedtonorthernItaly.Hissuccessors,
Theodoric(1100),Aleric(1102),andMaginulf(SylvesterIV)(1105)were
completelyimpotent.

154.BlessedVictorIII(1087)
Electedpope,butrefusedtoacceptthetiarain1085.In1086hewas
enthronedagainsthiswill,anddidnotassenttohiselectionuntil1087,the
yearhedied.
155.BlessedUrbanII(108899)
ElectedunanimouslyreaffirmedPopeGregory'sacts,including
excommunicationofemperor.
156.PaschalII(10991118)
Compelledpapalpretenderstodopenance,andexcommunicatedHenryIV,
whomaintainedhisrightofinvestiture,anddiedin1106.Hisson,HenryV,
imprisonedPaschalfor2monthsin1111,andthepopeconcededtherightof
imperialinvestiture,whiletherestofChristendomcondemnedHenry.
157.GelasiusII(111819)
DespiteHenryV'seffortstofixtheelectionthroughtheRomannobility,the
cardinalselectedapopewithoutimperialnotification.Inresponse,the
imperialfactionassaultedthepopeelectandimprisonedhim.TheRomans
liberatedthepopeandenthronedhimasGelasius.Littlemorethanamonth
later,HenryVforcedhimtoflee,andestablishedtheantipopeGregory.

GregoryVIII,Antipope(11181121)
HenryVdeclaredtheelectionofGelasiusinvalid,andbribedsome
RomanstoacclaimaspopetheArchbishopofBraga,whohadbeen
excommunicatedin1117forcrowningHenryatRome.Theantipope
wasfinallycapturedbytheRomansandimprisonedin1121.His
ordinationswerenullifiedbytheFirstLateranCouncil(1123).

158.CallistusII(111924)
Electedbythecardinals,yetcrownedinexile,astheantipopeGregory
occupiedRome.Hedroveouttheusurperandimprisonedhimin1121.The
ConcordatofWorms(1123)settledtheinvestiturecontroversy,banninglay
investiture,yetestablishingimperialconfirmationofcandidatesoutsidethe
PapalStates.ThiswasconfirmedbytheFirstLateranCouncil.
159.CelestineII(Teobaldo)(1124)[6]
ElectedpopeimmediatelyafterCallistus'death,CardinalTeobaldo's
coronationwasinterruptedbythearistocratFrangipiani,whointimidated
thecardinalsintochangingtheirselection.Teobaldoresignedinorderto
preventschism.

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160.HonoriusII(112430)
ElectedtwodaysafterCallistus'death,duetointerventionofRoberto
Frangipiani,whoinducedthepopeelecttoresignandthecardinalstoselect
theBishopofOstia.Doubtingthelegitimacyofhiselection,thebishop
offeredtoresign,untilthecardinalsunanimouslyacclaimedhislegitimacy.
AfterthedeathofHenryV(1125),HonoriushelpedLothairgetelectedking,
andthenewmonarchacknowledgedthepope'ssuperiorityevenintemporal
matters.
161.InnocentII(113043)
ElectedbycardinalbishopsthemorningafterHonorius'death.Hiselection
wasimmediatelychallengedbytheothercardinals,whoenthronedAnacletus
IIatSt.Peter's,andInnoceentwasconsecratedonthesameday.Lacking
noblesupport,InnocentfledtoFrance.Hisclaimwassupportedbythe
GermankingandSt.Bernard,aswellasmostofCatholicEuropeoutside
Italy.In1137,InnocentwasrestoredinRome,andtheactsofAnacletuswere
nullifiedattheSecondLateranCouncil(1139).

AnacletusII,Antipope(113038)
Electedbythelowercardinalsandsomecardinalbishopsthreehours
afterInnocent'selection.SinceInnocent'selectionhadacanonically
sufficientnumberofcardinals,hewasavalidpopeandAnacletus'
electionwasinvalid.Nonetheless,Anacletushadgreatersupportin
Rome,andreignedthereuntilhisdeathin1138.

VictorIV,Antipope(1138)
SuccessorofAnacletuswhosubmittedtoPopeInnocenttwomonths
later.

162.CelestineII(114344)
Reigned5months.
163.LuciusII(114445)
Attemptedtorestoretemporalpowerofpopebydissolvingsenateestablished
byInnocentII,buthewasviolentlyresistedbytheRomans.
164.BlessedEugeneIII(114553)
Anoncardinal,electedunanimously,butforcedtostayoutsideRome,since
thepeoplewantedhimtosubmittothesenateintemporalmatters.
RecognizedaspopethroughoutEurope.AfteraperiodofRomanchaos,
Eugeneagreedtoadualgovernmentwiththesenate,butthisfailedandhe
leftItalyforFrancein1146.In1148,hereturnedtoItaly,andbrieflyoccupied
Romein1149.FrederickBarbarossainducedthenoblestosubmittothe
pontiffin1153.
165.AnastasiusIV(115354)
166.AdrianIV(115459)
Electedunanimously,butRomewasinpoliticalrevolt,soheinterdictedthe
cityandreturnedonlyafteritsubmittedin1155.HecrownedFrederickonly
afterthekingdidhimcustomaryhomage,butbothpopeandemperorwere
forcedtoabandonRomein1155.Thepopewasabletoreturntothecityin
1157.
167.AlexanderIII(115981)
Hiselectionwasopposedbytheemperor,whofavoredtheantipopeVictor
IV.AlexanderwasexiledtoFrance(116265),butultimatelytriumphedover
theemperorin1176.AtThirdLateranCouncil(1179),papalelectionswere
restrictedtoatwothirdsvoteofcardinals.
VictorIV,Antipope(115964)
ElectedbyasmallminorityofcardinalsafterAlexander'selection.The
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emperor'sfavorite,hehadlimitedrecognitioninGermanyonly.

PaschalIII,Antipope(116468)
SuccessorofVictorIV,recognizedonlyinpartsofGermany.

168.LuciusIII(118185)
DrivenfromRomeforpoliticalreasonsin1182.
169.UrbanIII(118587)
170.GregoryVIII(1187)
171.ClementIII(118791)
172.CelestineIII(119198)
173.InnocentIII(11981216)
Restoredtemporalpowerofpopelostsince1185.Assertedrightofpopeto
confirmelectionofemperor.AssertedsupremacyofpopeoverallChristian
nations.
174.HonoriusIII(121627)
Inanelectionbycompromise,thecardinalschosetwooftheirnumberto
appointthepope.
175.GregoryIX(122741)
ElectedbycompromiseinsimilarfashiontoHonorius.
176.CelestineIV(1241)
Reigned15days.
177.InnocentIV(124354)
ResistingintimidationbyFrederickII,thecardinalselectedInnocentat
Anagni.ThepopefledtoFrancein1244,andreturnedtoRomein1253.
178.AlexanderIV(125461)
179.UrbanIV(126164)
180.ClementIV(126568)
181.BlessedGregoryX(127176)
Electedbycompromiseaftera3yearimpasse.Thiswasthefirstconclave,
therulesforwhichweredefinedattheSecondCouncilofLyons(1274).
182.BlessedInnocentV(1276)
183.AdrianV,ofdoubtfulvalidity(1276)
Diedbeforehewasconsecratedorevenordainedpriest,buthewas
recognizedaspopeatthetimebyvirtueofacceptingelection.Hisonlyact
wasratifiedbyhissuccessor.
184.JohnXXI(XX)(127677)
RatifiedAdrianV'sdecisiontosuspendthelawsofpapalconclaves.
185.NicholasIII(127780)
RestoredsenatorialandmunicipalpowertoRomancitizens.
186.MartinIV(128185)
Electedafter6monthimpassewasendedbytheimprisonmentof2Italian
cardinalsbyCharlesofAnjou.CouldnotenterRomeduetohisunpopularity
asaFrenchpopedependentonCharles.
187.HonoriusIV(128587)
Noconclave.Electedunanimouslyonfirstvote.
188.NicholasIV(128892)
189.St.CelestineV(1294)
Electedtoresolveimpasse,herestoredthelawoftheconclave.His

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resignationwasacanonicalcontroversy,thoughmanypreviouspopeshad
abdicated.Hediedin1296.
190.BonifaceVIII(12941303)
ElectedbyconclaveafterCelestine'sresignation,heimprisonedhis
predecessor,whononethelessescaped,butmadenoattempttoreclaimthe
papacy.Celestine'sactswerenullified.Boniface'sbullUnamSanctammerely
restatedtraditionalscholastictheoryabouttherelationbetweenspiritualand
temporalpower.OpposedbyPhiliptheFair,hewascapturedin1303,but
freedbytheRomans.
191.BlessedBenedictXI(130304)
PardonedPhiliptheFairinordertorestorepeacewithFrance.
192.ClementV(130514)
FavoredbyPhilip,hechosetoresideinFrance.RepeatedpardonofPhilip,
butrefusedtocondemnBoniface.
193.JohnXXII(XXI)(131634)
ResidedatAvignon.ExcommunicatedLouisofBavariaforfailingto
acknowledgerightofpapaladjudicationofdisputedimperialelection.Louis
retaliatedbycondemningPopeJohnandestablishinganantipopeinRome
(1328).HiserroneousopinionontheBeatificVisionwasnotintendedtobea
papaldefinition,asheexpresslydeclared.

NicholasV,Antipope(132830)
InstalledbyLouisofBavariarepentedandreceivedPopeJohn's
pardonin1330.

194.BenedictXII(133442)
ResidedatAvignon.
195.ClementVI(134252)
ResidedatAvignon.HeavilybiasedtowardFrancemoreofatemporalruler.
196.InnocentVI(135262)
ElectedwithprioragreementtosharepowerwiththeCollegeofCardinals,a
pacthedeclarednull,asitwascontrarytochurchlawandpapalpower.He
residedatAvignon,yetrestoredauthorityoverPapalStates.
197.BlessedUrbanV(136270)
BrieflyrestoredpapacyatRomein1367,butreturnedtoAvignonin1370.
198.GregoryXI(137078)
UnanimouslyelectedatAvignon.ResistedMilaneseandFlorentineattempts
toacquirepapalstates.ArrivedinRomein1377suppressedriots.
199.UrbanVI(137889)
Conclaveof1378hadcanonicallysufficientnumberofcardinals(16),while
sixremainedinFrance.ARomanmobthreatenedthecardinals,demanding
anItalianpope.15chosetheArchbishopofBari,whileCardinalOrsini
declaredhimselfunderduress.Theelectionresultwaskeptsecretpending
ArchbishopPrignano'sacceptance,andrenewedthenextmorning.Orsini
announcedanewpopetothepeople,withoutmentioningthename.Rumor
spreadthatCardinalTebaldeschiwaselected,sothecardinalsbroughtout
Tebaldeschiinpapalinsigniainordertoappeasethecrowd.Tebaldeschi
neveracceptedthepapacy,whilePrignanowasfinallyinstalledasPope
UrbanVI,receivingsubmissionofallcardinals,includingthoseinAvignon.
Withinafewweeks,thel3FrenchcardinalsatRomeleftforAnagni,and
woulddeclaretheelectionillegitimate,laterobtainingthesupportofthe
threeItaliancardinals.InSeptember,CharlesVofFranceencouragedthe
cardinalstoelectanewpope,andtheyelectedClementVII,beginningthe
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WesternSchism.UrbanandhissuccessorsatRomeweresupportedinmost
ofItalyandGermany,andallofEngland,Ireland,andPortugal.Urban
excommunicatedClementandhissupporters.
ClementVII,Antipope(137894)
ElectedbyFrenchconclaveatAvignon.

200.BonifaceIX(13891404)
AbolishedmunicipalindependenceofRome.
BenedictXIII,Antipope(13941417)
SuccessorofAvignonclaimantClementVII.DeposedbyCouncilof
Constance,whichhedidnotrecognize,buthisfollowingbecame
negligiblefromthatpointuntilhisdeathin1423.

201.InnocentVII(140406)
Priortoelection,heandtheothercardinalstookanoathtoendschismbyall
possiblemeans,eventothepointofabdication.HewasforcedtofleeRome
in1405duetopopularangeragainsthismurderousnephewhereturnedthe
followingyear.
202.GregoryXII(140615)
UnanimouslyelectedatRome.Allcandidatessworetoabdicatetiaraifrival
popewoulddothesame,andGregoryrepeatedthisoathafterelection.Seven
ofhiscardinalssecretlymetwiththeAvignoncardinalsandagreedto
conveneageneralcouncilatPisain1409,whichdeposedbothclaimantsand
electedAlexanderVaspope.NeitherclaimantrecognizedtheCouncilofPisa.
GregoryformallyabdicatedduringtheCouncilofConstance(1415)toendthe
schism.
AlexanderV,Antipope(14091410)
ElectedbyCouncilofPisa,heldindefianceofbothpapalclaimants.
RemainedinBologna,thoughLouisofAnjouoccupiedRomeinhis
namein1410.

JohnXXIII,Antipope(14101415)
SuccessorofAlexanderV,electedatBologna.DroveBenedictfrom
Avignonin1411acquiredobedienceofNaples,andconvenedacouncil
inRomein1412.DrivenfromRomebyLadislausofNaplesin1413,
returnedtoRomeupondeathoflatterin1414.EmperorSigismundhad
JohnconvoketheCouncilofConstance,ashehadthelargest
obedience,andJohninitiallypresidedoverthecouncilwhichwould
eventuallycausehimtoabdicatein1415.

203.MartinV(141731)
AfterthecouncilsecuredtheabdicationofJohnXXIIIandGregoryXII,
whileBenedictXIIIfledtoSpain,losingpracticallyallhissupport,MartinV
waselectedpopeunanimouslybyaconclaveofrepresentativesoffive
nations.HedidnotoccupyRomeuntil1420.CouncilofConstancerequired
generalcouncilseveryfiveyears,soMartinconvenedcouncilatPavia(moved
toSiena)in1423,onlytodissolveitthenextyear.Hepromisedtoconvenea
newcouncilinBaselwithinsevenyears.
204.EugeneIV(143147)
DissolvedcouncilofBaselconvokedbyMartinbutcouncilrefusedto
disperse.EmperorSigismundpersuadedEugenetorecognizethecouncilas
ecumenicalin1433.PopefledtoFlorenceafterRomanrevolutionin1434.He
transferredtheecumenicalcouncilfromBaseltoFerrara,butaminority
remainedinBasel,eventuallyelectingantipopeFelixV.

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FelixV,Antipope(144049)
ElectedbyconventicleatBaselin1439heacceptedin1440.Received
littlerecognitionoutsideSwitzerland.LeftBaselin1442,andin1449
submittedtoNicholasV.

FromNicholasVtothepresent,therehavebeennofurtherirregularitiesin
theelectionoftheRomanpontiff.
205.NicholasV(144755)
206.CallistusIII(145558)
207.PiusII(145864)
208.PaulII(146471)
209.SixtusIV(147184)
210.InnocentVIII(148492)
211.AlexanderVI(14921503)
212.PiusIII(1503)
213.JuliusII(150313)
214.LeoX(151321)
215.AdrianVI(152223)
216.ClementVII(152334)
217.PaulIII(153449)
218.JuliusIII(155055)
219.MarcellusII(1555)
220.PaulIV(155559)
221.PiusIV(155965)
222.St.PiusV(156672)
223.GregoryXIII(157285)
224.SixtusV(158590)
225.UrbanVII(1590)
226.GregoryXIV(159091)
227.InnocentIX(1591)
228.ClementVIII(15921605)
229.LeoXI(1605)
230.PaulV(160521)
231.GregoryXV(162123)
232.UrbanVIII(162344)
233.InnocentX(164455)
234.AlexanderVII(165567)
235.ClementIX(166769)
236.ClementX(167076)
237.BlessedInnocentXI(167689)
238.AlexanderVIII(168991)
239.InnocentXII(16911700)
240.ClementXI(170021)
241.InnocentXIII(172124)
242.BenedictXIII(172430)
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243.ClementXII(173040)
244.BenedictXIV(174058)
245.ClementXIII(175869)
246.ClementXIV(176974)
247.PiusVI(177599)
248.PiusVII(180023)
249.LeoXII(182329)
250.PiusVIII(182930)
251.GregoryXVI(183146)
252.BlessedPiusIX(184678)
253.LeoXIII(18781903)
254.St.PiusX(190314)
255.BenedictXV(191422)
256.PiusXI(192239)
257.PiusXII(193958)
258.BlessedJohnXXIII(195863)
259.PaulVI(196378)
260.JohnPaulI(1978)
261.JohnPaulII(19782005)
262.BenedictXVI(20052013)
Abdicatedforhealthreasons.
263.Franciscus(2013)

Notes

[1]PopeelectStephenisincludedinsomepapallists,thoughomittedinmany.

[2]LeoVIIIisincludedinmanypapallists.

[3]SylvesterIIIisincludedinmanypapallists.

[4]ManylistscountBenedictIX'ssecondreignasadistinctpapacy.

[5]ManylistscountBenedictIX'sthirdreignasadistinctpapacy.

[6]CelestineIIisexcludedfrommanypapallists,thoughtheCelestinesarestillnumberedby
includinghim.

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2007,2013DanielJ.Castellano.Allrightsreserved.
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