FULL LIST: 266 Powerful Popes Who Have Led the Catholic Church Through History

• The papacy has been a key institution for nearly two millennia, shaping Catholic doctrine, guiding the faithful, and addressing global challenges
• Throughout history, popes have played both spiritual and political roles, leading reforms, influencing international relations, and facing rival claimants (antipopes)
• The list of popes, from St. Peter to today, reflects the endurance and evolution of the Catholic Church, maintaining an unbroken chain of leadership

For nearly two millennia, the papacy has stood as one of the most influential institutions in human history.

From St. Peter, who is traditionally recognized as the first pope, to the modern leaders of the Church, each pope has played a critical role in shaping Catholic doctrine, guiding the faithful, and responding to the ever-changing challenges of the world.

The list of popes is a testament to the endurance and evolution of the Catholic Church, reflecting moments of triumph, reform, and even controversy.

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Throughout history, popes have not only been spiritual leaders but also political figures, shaping international relations, leading crusades, initiating reforms, and sometimes facing opposition from rival claimants, known as antipopes.

This list presents the complete line of popes, from the earliest days of Christianity to the present, illustrating the unbroken chain of leadership that has guided billions of Catholics across generations.

The List of Popes

1. St. Peter (32-67)
2. St. Linus (67-76)
3. St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88)
4. St. Clement I (88-97)
5. St. Evaristus (97-105)
6. St. Alexander I (105-115)
7. St. Sixtus I (115-125) – Also called Xystus I
8. St. Telesphorus (125-136)
9. St. Hyginus (136-140)
10. St. Pius I (140-155)
11. St. Anicetus (155-166)
12. St. Soter (166-175)
13. St. Eleutherius (175-189)
14. St. Victor I (189-199)
15. St. Zephyrinus (199-217)
16. St. Callistus I (217-222) – Opposed by St. Hippolytus, antipope (217-236)
17. St. Urban I (222-230)
18. St. Pontian (230-235)
19. St. Anterus (235-236)
20. St. Fabian (236-250)
21. St. Cornelius (251-253) – Opposed by Novatian, antipope (251)
22. St. Lucius I (253-254)
23. St. Stephen I (254-257)
24. St. Sixtus II (257-258)
25. St. Dionysius (260-268)
26. St. Felix I (269-274)
27. St. Eutychian (275-283)
28. St. Caius (Gaius) (283-296)
29. St. Marcellinus (296-304)
30. St. Marcellus I (308-309)
31. St. Eusebius (309 or 310)
32. St. Miltiades (311-314)
33. St. Sylvester I (314-335)
34. St. Marcus (336)
35. St. Julius I (337-352)
36. Liberius (352-366) – Opposed by Felix II, antipope (355-365)
37. St. Damasus I (366-384) – Opposed by Ursicinus, antipope (366-367)
38. St. Siricius (384-399)
39. St. Anastasius I (399-401)
40. St. Innocent I (401-417)

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See more of the list here

Vatican uncovers serious health condition affecting Pope Francis

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs, with the Vatican describing his condition as “complex.”

The 88-year-old pontiff had been battling a respiratory infection for over a week before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday.

In an official statement, the Vatican disclosed that a follow-up CT scan conducted on the Pope revealed bilateral pneumonia, necessitating further medical treatment.

Source: Legit.ng