Timeline Of Past Popes And How They Were Elected

The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with a global following of over a billion people. It is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ and is led by the Pope, who holds the title of Bishop of Rome and is seen as the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s original apostles.

The pope serves as the visible head of the Church and represents a powerful symbol of unity for Catholics around the world.
In modern times, the pope is recognized globally as the highest spiritual authority within the Catholic faith.

Over the course of nearly 2,000 years, the papacy has developed from its early beginnings in Rome into a worldwide religious institution. Throughout history, popes have played crucial roles in defining doctrine, leading ecumenical councils, responding to major political and cultural shifts, and guiding the Church through events like wars, reformations, and modern-day challenges.

List Of Past Popes

Pope Francis (2013–2025)

First Jesuit pope, first from the Americas (Argentina), known for humility, reform efforts, and a focus on social justice.

Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013)

First pope to resign in over 600 years. A German theologian, known for intellectual works and a conservative stance.

Pope John Paul II (1978–2005)

First non-Italian pope in 455 years (from Poland). Played a major role in ending communism in Eastern Europe, canonized as a saint in 2014.

Pope John Paul I (1978)

Known as “The Smiling Pope.” His papacy lasted only 33 days.

Pope Paul VI (1963–1978)

Concluded the Second Vatican Council; promoted modern dialogue between the Church and the world.

Pope John XXIII (1958–1963)

Convened the Second Vatican Council; beloved for his warmth and vision for a modern Church.

Pope Pius XII (1939–1958)

Led the Church during World War II; a controversial figure for his actions during the Holocaust.

Pope Pius IX (1846–1878)

Longest-reigning elected pope; defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903)

Advocated for the rights of workers and wrote Rerum Novarum, a landmark social teaching.

Pope Gregory VII (1073–1085)

Known for reforms and battles with the Holy Roman Emperor in the Investiture Controversy.

Pope Leo I (Leo the Great) (440–461)

Known for persuading Attila the Hun not to invade Rome; declared a Doctor of the Church.

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) (590–604)

Great administrator and missionary leader; Gregorian chant is named after him.

Saint Peter (c. 30–64 AD)

Regarded as the first pope and martyr; one of Jesus’s closest apostles.

How Popes Have Been Elected Throughout History

In the earliest centuries, popes (then called bishops of Rome) were elected by the clergy and people of Rome. Popes were often putatively appointed by their predecessors or by political rulers.
The process was informal and often influenced by local Roman Christian communities.

Imperial Influence (4th – 9th Century)

After Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion, Roman emperors began to influence papal elections.
Emperors often approved or voted candidates.

Rise of the Nobility (9th – 11th Century)

Local Roman noble families began to dominate the process, often treating the papacy as a political prize.
This period was marked by corruption and rival claims to the papacy (antipopes).

Creation of the College of Cardinals (1059)

In 1059, Pope Nicholas II issued a decree that only the College of Cardinals could elect a pope.
This was a major reform to remove secular interference and ensure Church authority.

The Conclave System (1274 – Present)

The conclave system was formalized by Pope Gregory X at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274.
Cardinals were locked in (literally “conclave” means “with a key”) until they elected a pope.
This helped avoid long delays and political manipulation.

Modern Conclaves

Since the 20th century, conclaves have become highly organized and secure, held in the Sistine Chapel.
Only cardinals under 80 can vote.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope.
Since Pope John Paul II’s time, security has increased dramatically—no phones, no outside contact, strict secrecy.