Pope Francis' Death: List of 266 Powerful Popes Who Have Led the Catholic Church

• 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
• This is as the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Monday, April

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

From St. Peter, traditionally recognised 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 world's ever-changing challenges.

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 been spiritual leaders and 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 announces Pope Francis' death

Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis died at the age of 88. The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor, Benedict XVI, resigned.

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis."

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

Source: Legit.ng