Pope: list of church figures, names and dates. Pope

- the throne name by which the Pope is officially known during his pontificate.

The tradition of perceiving the choice to succeed St. Peter as a new birth, requiring life under a new name, different from that received in baptism, finally took shape by the second millennium. Christians believe that Christ gave the first Pope a new name, calling Simon Peter.

Most often, after being elected to the papal throne, cardinals took the name John. The first to take the name John was Pope John I, elected in 523, and the last pontiff with that name was John XXIII, elected in 1958. As Roncalli himself explained, this choice was due to the fact that his father’s name was Giovanni (John).

Sixteen pontiffs, after being elected to the throne of St. Peter, chose the name Gregory, and the same number - Benedict (the last of them was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2005). The names chosen most often were Clement, Innocent, Leo and Pius.

Popes did not always change their names. The first such was the Roman Mercury, who lived in the 6th century, who decided that the name of a pagan god was not suitable for a pope and ruled under the name of John II; From about the 9th century, popes changing names already predominated. The last popes to reign under the same name with which they were baptized were Adrian VI (Adrian Florence, 1522-1523; also the last non-Italian pope until 1978) and Marcellus II (Marcello Cervini, 1555, died shortly after election). Formally, no rules oblige them to do this to this day.

In 1978, Cardinal Luciani, who died after 33 days of pontificate, took the name John Paul I and thereby accomplished a real “onomastic revolution.” Firstly, he adopted a previously unused name with the number I: all other popes with the number I were assigned it “retroactively”, after the emergence of the tradition of using numbers, and the last pope before John Paul I with a previously unused name was the one who reigned more than Landon a thousand years before him. Secondly, for the first time in the history of the papacy, the pontiff took a double name. Luciani did this in honor of his two closest predecessors - John XXIII and Paul VI. His successor, Cardinal Wojtyla, the most famous pope of the 20th century, took the same name - John Paul II. The next pope, Wojtyła's successor Cardinal Ratzinger, chose a more traditional throne name - Benedict XVI. This confirmed the observed pattern that three popes never take the same names in a row.

The official history of the papacy covers a period of 1,700 years. The papacy itself is not a purely religious institution. It would be more correct to call it political-religious. It unites 1 billion 300 million Catholics living in almost all countries of the world. Relies on bishops, of whom there are 4 thousand. In Catholicism there are three degrees of priesthood: deacon, priest and bishop.

There are also cardinals. These are clergy from deacons, priests and bishops. Depending on the priesthood, cardinals are divided into ranks and united in the College of Cardinals. She performs advisory functions with the pope and elects the next pope at the conclave. This system is streamlined, proven and highly effective. It is not for nothing that Catholicism is so popular in the world and unites a huge number of believers into a single confession.

Was the Apostle Peter the first pope?

The Catholic Church officially considers the Apostle Peter to be the first pope.. He is also considered the first bishop. It was this man who created the first Christian community in Rome after Christ was crucified. In 64, a terrible fire broke out in the “eternal city”. The Romans believed that the culprit was Emperor Nero. He allegedly wanted to destroy Old city, and in its place build a new one and call it after itself.

To divert suspicion from himself, Nero blamed Christians for the arson. Members of the community were captured and thrown into prison. Peter was also arrested. He was crucified upside down, since the apostle considered that he had no right to be crucified like his teacher Christ. The Basilica of St. was subsequently erected on the site of the tragedy. Petra. This is official version Catholics.

Apostle Peter walking on water

However, the data historical facts are highly doubtful. The point is that Peter did not know Latin. And, therefore, he could not stand at the head of the Roman community. In Rome, people spoke precisely this language, and a disciple of Christ was born in Bethsaida of Galilee. This is an Israeli city in which the family of a simple fisherman Jonah lived.

The future first pope was born in it. He received the name Simon, but did not receive any education. This man could neither read nor write. But he knew how to listen, and Christ’s sermons made an indelible impression on him. It was the Son of God who named him Peter, but did not teach him Latin language, as well as literacy.

Maybe a miracle happened and the apostle received necessary knowledge in the blink of an eye? This is unlikely, since we all understand that if we are guided by miracles, we will not be able to objectively perceive history. Therefore, it is more reasonable to assume that Peter’s righteous activities in Rome are fiction.

Papacy from the time of Constantine to the present day

Emperor Constantine and Christianity

The persecution of Christians had no effect on the new religion. It took deep roots in people's souls. The long-awaited shoots appeared only during the reign of Emperor Constantine (306-337). It was outstanding political figure. He moved the capital of the Roman Empire to greek city Byzantium. Significantly expanded it and made it the center not only of the empire, but also of the Christian religion. Subsequently, the city began to be called Constantinople. It was under Constantine that Christians began to gain strength, and the first basilica was built in Rome in 324.

Before Constantine, bishops were considered the spiritual mentors of the flock. They all stayed in Rome. The formation of the papacy began under Bishop Sylvester. His whole life was distinguished by holiness, and this venerable man died in 335. After 2 years, Emperor Constantine also left for another world. But the grace-filled shoots that sprouted under him strengthened the church and made it an authoritative institution, which soon began to significantly influence political life states.

Papacy and power

Power struggle within christian church flared up sharply in 366 under Damasus. He became bishop of Rome, expelling his rival from the city. In this case, about 200 Christians died, since any power requires sacrifices. It was Damasius who was the first to call himself pope and was on the church throne from 366 to 384.

His authority and influence reached such magnitude that the Roman Emperor Theodosius I (379-395) was forced to convene an Ecumenical Council in 381. The Council recognized the Bishop of Constantinople as second only to the Bishop of Rome and forbade the bishops to interfere in each other's affairs. Damasius died at the age of 84 and was canonized.

Actually, from the time of Damasus, the history of the papacy began its inevitable course. And before that there was foreplay, since christian religion was very weak and did not have the appropriate authority and weight.

In 753, Pope Stephen II (III), venerable in all respects, showed church and lay people a document allegedly signed by Emperor Constantine himself. It was written in black and white that the ruler transfers all power over the western part of the empire to the Pope, while leaving him under his control eastern part. That is, it turned out that the rank of the pope corresponded to the rank of the emperor. Only in the 15th century did it become clear that this document was a fake.

In July 1054 there was a split in the Christian Church.. It was divided into Roman Catholic and Orthodox. The reason for this tragedy must be sought in the ritual and ethical differences between the Latins and Greeks. Contradictions had been brewing for many hundreds of years, and in the 11th century a denouement came. The Patriarch of Constantinople anathematized the papal legates, and in retaliation they took and excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople.

The clergy turned out to be very vindictive. They remembered the insults inflicted for 1000 years. Only in 1965 were the mutual anathemas lifted. But Catholics and Christians, naturally, did not become a single flock, although warmer relations were established between them.

Conflict between Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV

In 1073, Pope Gregory VII took the papal throne. This most respectable man in all respects led the Catholic Church until 1085. His reign is notable for his conflict with the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV (1050-1106).

Gregory VII declared that the power of the pope was superior to that of the emperor. He arrogated to himself the right to depose European rulers. The German king Henry IV opposed this. He gathered the German bishops in 1076, and they declared the pope deposed.

Then the pontiff excommunicated the king from the church. The German princes, who had given an oath of allegiance to Henry IV, found themselves freed from it and rebelled. They began to prepare for the election of another Holy Roman Emperor.

The debunked monarch went through the Alps to the castle of Canossa, in which the head of the catholic church. In January 1077, he found himself under the walls of the fortress. Barefoot, dressed in a hair shirt, the king stood in the cold and waited for the papal decision. Gregory VII watched him from the window of the fortress tower. Only at the end of the third day did he forgive the daring autocrat and remove his penance.

Pornocracy

The history of the papacy is inextricably linked with popes and antipopes. The second are those who bore the sacred title illegally. They received it through bribes or other various cunning methods. A striking example Pornocracy can serve as anti-papacy. This is a whole historical period, which lasted several decades. It began with the accession to the papal throne of Sergius III (904-911).

He is considered the murderer of his two predecessors. He turned the papal court into a place of debauchery and theft. Got myself a 15 year old mistress named Marozia. She gave birth to new dads, and then killed them. By her order, 4 popes were killed. At the same time, shamelessness and corruption flourished in the holy of holies of the Catholic Church. Eventually, Marozia was arrested by one of her sons, imprisoned, where she died in 954.

In 955, Pope John XII, the grandson of Marozia, received papal power. He was in power for 8 years. But the situation has not changed in better side. Murder, incest and other immoral acts flourished again. Dad finished poorly. He was killed by a deceived husband who found his wife in the arms of the head of the Catholic Church. This is where the pornocracy ends.

The Pope and his flock

Papacy and money

Popes and antipopes changed, but the desire for absolute power continued. A serious attempt to establish ecclesiastical power over secular power was made by Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303). On this sensitive issue he issued a bull. It said that the pope holds spiritual power in one hand, and secular power in the other.

But the head of Catholicism miscalculated. Period feudal fragmentation was ending. Royal power grew stronger. And the bull was met with hostility by European monarchs. King Philip IV of France was especially outraged by the papal claims. He initiated the convening of the Estates General. The members of this high assembly demanded that the pope appear before an ecclesiastical court. But the trial did not take place. This was prevented by the death of the pontiff.

After this incident, the ambitions of the popes diminished. They never again clearly laid claim to secular power. High-ranking holy fathers took up other matters. Starting from the 14th century, they began to absolve sins for money. The business turned out to be terribly profitable. Of course, officially such things were strictly prohibited. But it's official. There were many abuses. Naturally, they were carried out with the tacit consent of the popes.

The Church, having forgiven the sinner his sins, gave him an official document - indulgence. That is, everything was arranged according to highest level. The sins of the dead were also forgiven. But here everything depended on the relatives. If they expressed a desire to pay, then the soul of the deceased, it must be understood, went to heaven. True, some far-sighted people discussed such a procedure in their wills. The Catholic Church also practiced issuing licenses to brothels. At the same time, the priestesses of love no longer worried about God's punishment. All sinful acts were forgiven to them in advance.

This whole bacchanalia continued until 1567, that is, more than 250 years. In 1566, Pope Pius V took the papal throne. And the church immediately felt a harsh master's hand. All the outrages that disgrace the work of God were put to an end. The new pope turned out to be a stern, tough man, a supporter of an ascetic lifestyle. He kicked out all the crooks, careerists and opportunists. He put things in order in financial and divine affairs. At the same time, the authority of the Catholic Church increased significantly.

Schism of the Catholic Church

But this did not save her from a split. The Catholic Church has accumulated too many sins over the past centuries. Here no pope could resist the emergence of Protestantism. Led religious reforms Martin Luther(1483-1546). He found many followers. As a result, all this resulted in religious wars that rocked Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In the end, the Catholic Church came to terms with the new denomination. Currently, Protestants live all over the world, and their number numbers 1 billion people. They do not have a single center, unlike Catholics and Orthodox. All churches are united in church unions and enjoy equal rights.

View of the Vatican from above

Vatican and the election of the Pope

Today, the history of the papacy is associated with the Vatican. This is a city-state located on the territory of Rome. The Vatican is the seat of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. It has existed in its current form since February 1929.

It is in this place that the new pope is elected by a conclave or meeting of cardinals. Elected for life. Until a new head of the church is elected, the duties of the pope are assigned to the camerlenge. This is the highest court position. It is very ancient, and originated in the 11th century. The people will learn about the election of a new pontiff by the column of white smoke that rises from chimney Sistine Chapel. The elections themselves take place in a special room in the Vatican Palace. Until February 28, 2013, Benedict XVI was Pope. He was elected to this high post in April 2005.

On February 11, 2013, Benedict XVI announced his decision to abdicate the throne. It came into force on February 28, 2013 at 20:00 Rome time. The former pope retained the rank of cardinal, but did not take part in the conclave due to his venerable 80 years of age.

On March 13, 2013, the conclave elected a new pope. It was announced to the breathless world that Cardinal Jorge had become the head of the Catholic Church. Mario Bergoglio. He is Argentinean with Italian roots. Born in Buenos Aires in 1936 into a working-class family. The newly elected pope took the name Francis in honor of Francis of Assisi. This is a saint who was compassionate and helped the sick and poor. The new head of the Vatican is a worthy candidate for a high post. God bless him and sincere faith Catholics.

In 2000 years of history, not all pages were white and not all Popes- righteous. Among those people who were supposed to serve as an example to millions were usurpers, libertines, indulgence merchants and warmongers. For centuries, the papacy was at the center of European politics and those who wore the mantle were not spared its brutal methods. And ideas about the standard of virtue have undergone significant changes over time. Which Popes went down in history as the most wicked?

Pope Stephen VI (in some sources VII) for not for a long time of his reign he managed not to “leave a mark” in history, but to “inherit” it. In 897, he initiated the most terrible trial, called the “Corpse Synod.” By order of Stephen VI, the corpse of Pope Formosus, his predecessor and ideological opponent, was exhumed and put on trial. At a horrifying trial, the half-decomposed corpse was seated on a throne and subjected to symbolic interrogation. He was accused of treachery, his election was declared invalid, his fingers were cut off, he was dragged through the streets of Rome and buried in the tomb of unknown strangers. During the synod, an earthquake occurred, which the Romans took as a sign from above and overthrew Stephen VI.

Pope John XII, who reigned from 955 to 964, was accused of adultery, perjury, and the sale of church lands and privileges. Liutprand of Cremona states in his chronicles: “I have clear evidence that he commits adultery with the widow Rainier, with Stephanie, his father’s concubine, with the widow Anna, his niece, and Holy place turned into a house of whores." He was killed by a man who caught him in bed with his wife.

Pope Benedict IX went down in history as one of the most cynical and immoral rulers. He was accused of rape, sodomy and organizing orgies. He was called "the devil from hell in the guise of a priest." He also tried to sell the throne and then return to power again.

Pope Urban VI initiated a schism in the Roman Catholic Church in 1378 and sowed hostility in the struggle for the throne that lasted almost 40 years. He was known for his cruel and despotic character.

Pope John XXII turned absolution into a kind of business: the more serious the sin, the more expensive its forgiveness was valued. And Pope Leo X went even further: he decided that the “tariffs” were too low and increased the cost of indulgences. He himself was famous for his extravagance and emptied the Vatican treasury. For large sums, he absolved the sins of murderers and those who committed incest. This caused a wave of indignation and protests against the papacy, in particular Martin Luther.

And Pope Alexander VI is usually called the most immoral and scandalous. He was notorious for his dissolute behavior and nepotism. Rodrigo Borgia achieved the papal throne through bribery and was accused of adultery, incest, and poisoning. However, it is worth noting that Alexander VI was also blamed for those sins that he did not commit - his figure became overgrown the largest number rumors

The trade in indulgences is a thing of the past, like other

There were times when there was no church organization, cult, dogma, there was no officials. From the masses of ordinary believers came prophets and preachers, teachers and apostles. They were the ones who replaced the priests. They were believed to be endowed with power and capable of teaching, prophecy, performing miracles, and even healing. Any adherent could call himself a charismatic Christian faith. Such a person often even managed the affairs of the community if he was joined by certain number like-minded people. Only by the middle of the 2nd century did bishops gradually begin to direct all affairs of Christian communities.

The name "Papa" (from the Greek word - father, mentor) appeared in the 5th century. At the same time, according to the edict of the Emperor of Rome, all bishops were subject to the papal court.

The pinnacle of the power of papal power was a document that appeared in 1075, called the “Dictate of the Pope.”

The papacy at different periods of its history experienced dependence on emperors, as well as their governors, on French kings, even on barbarians, a split in the church that forever divided all adherents of Christianity into Orthodox and Catholics, the strengthening of power and the rise of the papacy, and the Crusades.

Who deserved this high rank"The Pope"? A list of these people is presented to your attention in the article.

The temporal power of the Pope

Until 1870 inclusive, the Popes were the rulers of multiple territories in Italy, which was called the Papal States.

The Vatican became the Seat of the Holy See. Today there is no smaller state in the world, and it is completely located within the boundaries of Rome.

Heads the Holy See, and therefore the Vatican, Rome). He is elected for life by the conclave (College of Cardinals).

The power of the Pope in the Church

In the Catholic Church, the pontiff has full power. It does not depend on the influence of any person.

He has the right to make laws, called canons, which are binding on the church, to interpret and change them, even to repeal them. They are combined into codices First - 451.

In the church, the Pope also has apostolic authority. He controls the purity of doctrine and spreads the faith. He has the authority to convene a meeting and approve the decisions he has made, postpone or dissolve the council.

The pontiff has judicial power in the church. It hears cases as a first instance. It is prohibited to appeal against my father’s verdict in a secular court.

And finally, as the highest executive power, he has the right to establish bishoprics and liquidate them, to appoint and remove bishops. He ordains saints and blessed ones.

Sovereign papal power. And this is very important, since the rule of law allows us to maintain and maintain order.

Pope: list

The oldest of the lists is given in the treatise of Irenaeus of Lyons “Against Heresies” and ends in the year 189, when Pope Eleutherius died. It is recognized as reliable by most researchers.

Eusebius' list, which dates back to the year 304, when Pope Marcellinus completed his earthly journey, contains information about the time of each pontiff's accession to the throne and the duration of their pontificates.

So who was awarded the title "Pope"? The list, with corrections in the Roman edition, was compiled by Pope Liberius and appears in his Catalog. And here, in addition to the names of each bishop, starting with St. Peter, and the duration of the pontificates with the greatest possible accuracy (to the day), there are other details, such as the dates of the consulates, the name of the emperor who ruled during these periods. Liberius himself died in 366.

Researchers note that the chronology of papal reigns until 235 was obtained, for the most part, by calculations, and therefore their historical value raises doubts.

For a long time, the most authoritative of the lists was the Book of Popes, which contains descriptions up to and including Pope Honorius, who died in 1130. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Catalog of Pope Liberius became a source of information about the Popes of the early periods.

Is there an exact list of people who have been awarded the title "Pope"? The list was compiled by many historians. They were influenced by developing story, as well as the author’s point of view on the canonical legitimacy of a particular election or deposition. Moreover, the pontificates of ancient popes usually began counting from the moment when their ordination as bishops took place. With the later custom that arose until the ninth century, when Popes were crowned, the period of reign began to be calculated from the moment of coronation. And later, from the pontificate of Gregory VII - from the election, that is, from the moment when the Pope received rank. There were pontiffs who were elected, or even proclaimed themselves as such, in defiance of the fact that they were canonically elected.

Popes are wicked

In the history of the Vatican, which dates back more than 2000 years, there are not only blank blank pages, and Popes are not always and not all standards of virtue and righteous people. The Vatican recognized the pontiffs as thieves, libertines, usurpers, warmongers.

At all times, no Pope had the right to remain aloof from the politics of European countries. Perhaps that is precisely why some of them used its methods, often quite cruel, and as the most wicked, remained in the memory of their contemporaries.

Stephen VI (VII - in separate sources).

They say that he did more than just “inherit.” On his initiative, a trial was held in 897, which was later called the “corpse synod.” He ordered the exhumation and put on trial the corpse of Pope Formosus, who was not just his predecessor, but also an ideological opponent. The accused, or rather the corpse of the pontiff, already half-decomposed, was seated on the throne and interrogated. It was a terrible court hearing. Pope Formosus was accused of treachery, and his election was declared invalid. And even this sacrilege was not enough for the pontiff, and the accused’s fingers were cut off and then dragged through the city streets. He was buried in a grave with foreigners.

By the way, at this very time an earthquake occurred, the Romans took it as a sign given to them from above to overthrow the Pope.

John XII.

The list of charges is impressive: adultery, sale of church lands and privileges.

The fact of his adultery with many different women, among them his father’s partner and his own niece, is recorded in the chronicles of Liutprand of Cremona. He was even deprived of his life by the woman’s husband, who caught him in bed with her.

Benedict IX.

He turned out to be the most cynical pontiff without any morality, “the devil from hell in the guise of a priest.” Far from it full list his acts of rape, sodomy, organization of orgies.

It is also known about the Pope's attempts to sell the throne, after which he again dreamed of power and planned to return to it.

Urban VI.

He initiated the Schism in the Roman Catholic Church in 1378. For almost forty years those who fought for the throne were at enmity. He was a cruel man, a real despot.

John XXII.

It was he who decided that he could make good money from the remission of sins. Forgiveness for more serious sins cost more.

Leo X.

A direct follower of the work begun by John XXII. He considered the “tariffs” to be low and in need of increasing. Now it was enough to pay a large sum, and the sins of a murderer or someone who committed incest were easily forgiven.

Alexander VI.

A man with a reputation as the most immoral and scandalous Pope. He earned such fame through debauchery and nepotism. He was called a poisoner and an adulterer, and was even accused of incest. They say that he even got the position of Pope through bribery.

To be fair, it should be noted that there are plenty of unfounded rumors around his name.

Popes who were brutally murdered

The history of the church is rich in bloodshed. Many ministers of the Catholic Church became victims of brutal murders.

October 64 St. Peter.

Saint Peter, as the legend goes, chose to die the death of a martyr, like his teacher Jesus. He expressed a desire to be crucified on the cross, only head down, and this undoubtedly increased the suffering. And after his death he became revered as the first Pope of Rome.

Saint Clement I.

(from 88 to 99)

There is a legend according to which he, while in exile in the quarries, practically performed a miracle with the help of prayer. Where the prisoners were suffering from unbearable heat and thirst, a lamb appeared out of nowhere, and a spring gushed out of the ground in that very place. The ranks of Christians were replenished by those who witnessed the miracle, among them convicts, local residents. And Clementius was executed by the guards, an anchor was tied to his neck and the corpse was thrown into the sea.

Saint Stephen I.

He served only 3 years as pontiff when he had to fall victim to the discord that engulfed the Catholic Church. Right in the middle of his sermon, he was beheaded by soldiers serving Emperor Valerian, who was persecuting Christians. The throne, which was covered in his blood, was kept by the church until the 18th century.

Sixtus II.

He repeated the fate of his predecessor, Stephen I.

John VII.

By the way, he was the first among the Popes to be born into a noble family. He was beaten to death by the woman's husband when he caught them in bed.

John VIII.

He is considered almost the greatest church figure in history. Historians associate his name primarily with a large number political intrigues. And it is not surprising that he himself became their victim. It is known that he was poisoned and received a hammer swipe on the head. It remained the mystery it was the real reason his murders.

Stephen VII.

(from May 896 to August 897)

He became notorious for the trial of Pope Formosus. The “Corpse Synod” clearly did not receive the approval of supporters of Catholicism. He was eventually imprisoned, where he was later executed.

John XII.

He became a dad at eighteen. And to most he was a leader, inspiring and godly. At the same time, he did not disdain theft and incest, he was a player. He is even credited with being involved in political assassinations. And he himself died at the hands of a jealous husband, who caught him and his wife in bed in his house.

John XXI.

This pontiff is also known to the world as a scientist and philosopher. Philosophical and medical treatises came from his pen. He died some time after the roof collapsed in the new wing of his palace in Italy, in his own bed, from his injuries.

About some representatives of the papacy

He had to lead the church during the Second World War. He chose a very cautious position in relation to Hitlerism. But on his orders, Catholic churches sheltered Jews. And how many Vatican representatives helped Jews escape from concentration camps by issuing them new passports. The Pope used all possible means of diplomacy for these purposes.

Pius XII never hid his anti-Sovietism. In the hearts of Catholics, he will remain the pope who proclaimed the dogma of the Ascension of Our Lady.

The pontificate of Pius XII ends the “era of the Pii.”

The first Pope with a double name

The first Pope in history to choose a double name for himself, which he made up from the names of his two predecessors. John Paul I innocently admitted that he lacked the education of one and the wisdom of the other. But he wanted to continue their work.

He was nicknamed “The Cheerful Papa Curia” because he constantly smiled, even laughed uninhibitedly, which was even unusual. Especially after the serious and gloomy predecessor.

Protocol etiquette became an almost unbearable burden for him. Even in the most solemn moments, he expressed himself very simply. Even his enthronement was carried out sincerely. He refused the tiathra, walked to the altar, did not sit in the chesatorium, and the roar of the cannon was replaced by the sounds of the choir.

His pontificate lasted only 33 days until he suffered a myocardial infarction.

Pope Francis

(from 2013 to present day)

The first pontiff from the New World. This news was joyfully received by Catholics throughout the world. He gained fame as a brilliant speaker and talented leader. Pope Francis is intelligent and deeply educated. He is concerned about a variety of issues: from the possibility of a third world war to illegitimate children, from interethnic relations to sexual minorities. Pope Francis is a very humble man. He refuses luxury apartments, a personal chef, and doesn’t even use the “daddy car.”

Pilgrim Dad

Pope, the last one born in the 19th century, and the last one to be crowned with a tiara. Later this tradition was canceled. He established the Synod of Bishops.

Because he condemned contraception and artificial birth control, he was accused of conservatism and retrogradeness. It was during his reign that priests received the right to celebrate mass facing the people.

And he was nicknamed the “Pilgrim Pope” because he personally visited each of the five continents.

Founder of the Catholic Action movement

Dad restored old tradition, when from the balcony of the palace he addressed the believers with a blessing. This was the first act of the pontiff. He became the founder of the Catholic Action movement, designed to bring to life the principles of Catholicism. He established the feast of Christ the King and defined the principles of the doctrine of family and marriage. He did not condemn democracy, like many of his predecessors. It was under the Lateran Agreements, signed by the Pope in February 1929, that the Holy See acquired sovereignty over the territory of 44 hectares, known to this day as the Vatican, a city-state with all its attributes: coat of arms and flag, banks and currency, telegraph, radio, newspaper, prison, etc.

The Pope has repeatedly condemned fascism. Only death prevented him from Once again make an angry speech.

Conservative Pontiff

He is considered a conservative pontiff. He categorically does not accept homosexuality, contraception and abortion, genetic experiments. He was against the ordination of women as priests, homosexuals and married men. He alienated Muslims by speaking disrespectfully about the Prophet Muhammad. And although he later apologized for his words, mass protests among Muslims could not be avoided.

First Pope of a united Italy

He was a versatile and educated man. Dante quoted from memory and wrote poetry in Latin. He was the first to open for those who study in Catholic educational institutions, access to some archives, but at the same time left under personal control the results of the research, their publication and content.

He became the first in a united Italy. He died the same year he celebrated a quarter century since his election. The longest-liver among popes lived for 93 years.

Gregory XVI

He had to take the throne when a revolutionary movement arose and grew in Italy, which was headed by the Pope, who had a very negative attitude towards the doctrine of liberalism, which was being promoted in France at that time, and condemned the December uprising in Poland. He died of cancer.

Everyone knows that the residence of the Pope is in Rome. But it was not always so. King Philip the Fair of France, who was in conflict with the clergy, placed a new residence at the disposal of the popes in Avignon in 1309. It lasted about seventy years Captivity of Avignon" Seven pontiffs were replaced during this time. The papacy returned to Rome only in 1377.

The Pope has always strived to improve the relationship between Christianity and Islam and is known to everyone for his active actions in this direction. He was the first Pope to visit the mosque, and even prayed in it. And having completed the prayer, he kissed the Koran. This happened in 2001 in Damascus.

Traditional Christian icons depict round halos above the heads of saints. But there are canvases with halos of other shapes. For example, triangular - for God the Father, symbolizing the Trinity. And the heads of popes who have not yet died are decorated with rectangular halos.

There is a stainless steel ball on the TV tower in Berlin. In the bright rays of the sun a cross is reflected on it. This fact has given rise to several witty nicknames, and "the Pope's revenge" is one of them.

On the throne of the Pope there is a cross, but upside down. It is known that Satanists use this symbol, and it is also found among black metal bands. But Catholics know him as: after all, it was on the inverted cross that he wished to be crucified, considering it unworthy for himself to die like his Teacher.

Everyone in Russia knows Pushkin’s “The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish,” adults and children. But does everyone know that there is another one called “The Fisherman and His Wife” and it was created by the famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm. For the Russian poet, the old woman returned to nothing when she wished to become a sea mistress. But for Grimm she became the Pope. When I wanted to become God, I was left with nothing.

In the Middle Ages, there was a struggle for primacy between spiritual power and secular power. The emperors actively participated in the selection. Hundred Years' War in France and church schism weakened the influence of the Pope. It was only in 1929 that the pope was given back the opportunity to rule the Vatican City State.

IN modern times The election of the pope takes place at a meeting of cardinals. The Camerlengo, who is the temporary head of the College of Cardinals, announces the death of his predecessor. A conclave is convened and a new pope is elected. Until the pontiff is declared, the College manages affairs. The chosen dad changes his name and selects a number. For example, Julius I.

List of last popes, years of reign (beginning)

Julius II - 1503 The first pope to be embalmed.
Leo X - 1513 At the time of his election he did not have holy orders. Died at the age of 45.
Adrian VI - 1522 Fought against the Reformation.
Clement VII - 1523 The pontificate had many mistakes and failures.
Paul III - 1534 Supported and developed sciences. I trusted astrologers and consulted them every time I made an important decision.
Julius III - 1550 Restored holidays and carnivals in Rome.
Marcellus II - 1555 Proficient in Latin, Greek and Italian languages. He was very erudite. He knew mathematics, architecture, astronomy and much more.
Paul IV - 1555 The oldest pope at the time of election.
Pius IV – 1559. Friendly and sincere. Founded the first theological seminaries.
Pius V – 1566. A stern personality leading an ascetic lifestyle. Allowed torture and punishment.
Gregory XIII - 1572 The last pope to have illegitimate children. Introduced the Gregorian calendar.
Sixtus V - 1585 Fought against banditry, drained swamps, tidied up streets and squares, built fountains.
Urban VII - 1590. Struggling with smoking, died of malaria. Most short term(13 days).
Gregory XIV - 1590 Was quiet and sickly.
Innocent IX - 1591 Supported the policies of the Spanish king Philip II.
Clement VIII – 1592 Wise statesman. He blessed coffee and contributed to the spread of the drink in Europe.
Leo XI – 1605 Nicknamed “Lightning Pope.” He remained at the head of the church for 28 days.
Paul V – 1605 Began his career as a lawyer. Strict and decisive, he defended the privileges of the church and sought to maintain the unity of the structure.
Gregory XV - 1621 Issued a bull against magicians and witches. Papal elections were held by secret ballot.
Urban VIII - 1623 Elegant and sensible, had refined taste. He patronized poets and financed the work of sculptors and artists.
Innocent X - 1644 Condemned Jansenism.
Alexander VII - 1655 Showed interest in architectural projects that later became masterpieces of the Baroque era.
Clement IX - 1667 Treated people kindly and gave alms to the poor. Assisted in the construction of a musical theater.
Clement X - 1670 Called to love each other, daily proving devotion to the Almighty through trust, generosity and prudence.
Innocent XI - 1676 Engaged charitable activities, helping the population during floods and plague. Banned gambling. He lived modestly.
Alexander VIII – 1689 Reclaimed Avignon.
Innocent XII - 1691 The last pope to wear a beard. Destroyed the practice of nepotism.
Clement XI – 1700 Received doctorate in the field of law (canonical and civil). A subtle diplomat and peacemaker. During the reign, the Academy of Painting and Sculpture appeared.
Innocent XIII - 1721 Reign calm and prosperous.
Benedict XIII - 1724. An ascetic in life, he did not know how to govern. He discovered the Spanish Steps and was the founder of the University of Camerino.
Clement XII - 1730 The 78-year-old pope, blind and ill, carried out reconstruction programs, built a port, and advocated for the Roman and Orthodox churches to be reunited.
Benedict XIV - 1740 Patronized scientists and artists.
Clement XIII - 1758 Opponent of the Enlightenment. Indecisive and unsure.
Clement XIV - 1769 Adopted a position of reconciliation between secular and ecclesiastical authorities. Eliminated the Jesuit order.
Pius VI - 1775 Opposition against the French Revolution contributed to the loss of Avignon and the county of Venescens.
Pius VII - 1800. The agreement signed with Napoleon assumed the possibility of the state to interfere in the activities of the church (finance, land).
Leo XII – 1823 Noble and modest. I could not appreciate the events of my time.
Pius VIII - 1829 Recognized mixed marriages (Catholics and Protestants). Was poisoned.
Gregory XVI - 1831 He was the last non-bishop to be elected pope.
Pius IX – 1846 Proclaimed the dogma of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary.
Leo XIII - 1878 Doctor of Divinity, published 88 encyclicals.
Pius X - 1903 Issued a decree stating that children were allowed to receive communion at the age of 7 (instead of 14).

If you analyze the list, you can see short terms of office. This is explained by soreness and old age. Some of them, accepting the honorable responsibility to stand at the head, sometimes did not understand the essence of their activities. But the wise, literate and far-sighted left a noticeable mark on history and religion. Honor and praise to those who thought about the development of the state, carrying out reforms and issuing special laws of honor.

The 266th Pope is an unusual person. He chose the name Francis first. Has a diploma in chemical engineering. I didn’t come to the church right away. Being interested in the humanities and receiving academic degree in philosophy, Jorge taught at the college. IN free time visited nightclubs and enforced discipline.

Not embarrassed by his work as a laboratory assistant and cleaner, Jose gradually approached the clergy. Leadership skills helped achieve our goals. Living modestly in a small apartment, the future dad wanted to achieve justice and equality. When, according to his status as a cardinal, he was entitled to a personal limousine with a driver, the choice was clear - to refuse.

The conclave convened in 2013, after the abdication of Benedict XVI, proclaimed the name of the next pope. It turned out to be Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The decision of the majority of the Argentine bishops showed the prestige of the candidate at the international level. Francis was the first pope from the New World.

The motto for the coat of arms was a line from Matthew, which prompted the seventeen-year-old boy to desire to live according to the commandments of Christ and lead people. It spoke of simple truths: to be useful to everyone, to endure insults, to avoid petty honors, and not to seek your own benefit and glory.

Popes, list and years of reign - many will find this information tedious and irrelevant. But analyzing the activities of the heads of the Catholic Church and simply identifying the special traits of leading personalities is sometimes useful and instructive.