In May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis, a new Pontiff will be elected. He will be the 267th Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The world’s attention is focused on this moment, as a new chapter in the papacy begins.
In this article, we’ll take this historic occasion as an opportunity to explore the full list of Popes — from Saint Peter to the present day. We’ll examine who lived the longest, who had the shortest lives or reigns, and offer a range of insights, data, and statistics: from average age at death to the duration of papacies, with comparisons across different historical periods. A journey through over two thousand years of faith, history, and leadership.
List of Popes
The papacy, as the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church, has been a cornerstone of global religious history since the first century. It is traditionally believed that Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, became the first Pope in the year 33 AD, shortly after Christ’s crucifixion. From that moment, the Bishop of Rome assumed a central role in guiding the Church — a role that has continued uninterrupted for nearly two thousand years.
Since then, 266 Popes have led the Catholic Church through times of peace, war, reform, and revolution. Their backgrounds, leadership styles, and challenges have varied widely, but all have carried the spiritual responsibility of representing the Church on Earth.
The most recent Pope, Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), elected in 2013, was the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position. Known for his focus on humility, social justice, and environmental responsibility, Pope Francis brought a renewed emphasis on openness and dialogue during his pontificate, which ended with his death in 2025.
For those interested in exploring the full list of Popes, the Wikipedia page on the List of Popes offers a comprehensive chronological account, including each Pope’s reign, birth name, and notable contributions. The Catholic Encyclopedia also provides detailed biographical entries and historical context for each pontificate.
From Peter to Francis — and soon to the 267th Pope — this long line of spiritual leaders reflects not only the continuity of the Church but also the evolution of its mission in a changing world.
The Longest- and Shortest-Lived Popes
Throughout the centuries, Popes have had remarkably varied life spans, reflecting both the eras they lived in and the circumstances surrounding their papacies.
The longest-lived Pope in history was Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger). Born on April 16, 1927, he passed away on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95 years, 8 months, and 15 days. After resigning in 2013 — the first Pope to do so in nearly 600 years — he held the title of Pope Emeritus until his death.
Before him, the record was held by Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 at the age of 93 years and 140 days. Known for his intellectual contributions and encyclicals, Leo XIII served as Pope from 1878 to 1903.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the shortest-lived Pope (at the time of death) was likely Pope John Paul I, born on October 17, 1912, and who died on September 28, 1978, just 33 days into his papacy, at the age of 65. However, if we consider Popes who died at a younger age overall, some early pontiffs likely died in their 30s or 40s, though exact dates are uncertain.
In terms of the shortest papacy, Pope Urban VII holds the record: he was elected on September 15, 1590, and died just 12 days later, never even having been crowned.
These contrasts highlight the unpredictability of papal life — some reigns have shaped decades of Church history, while others ended before they truly began.
The Most Popular Papal Names
Choosing a papal name is one of the first and most symbolic acts of a newly elected Pope. It often reflects the legacy, values, or spiritual inspiration a new Pope wishes to associate himself with. Over the centuries, certain names have been chosen far more frequently than others.
Here are the most commonly used papal names in history:
- John (Giovanni): Chosen 23 times, making it the most popular papal name. It evokes humility and continuity, often associated with St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.
- Gregory: Used 16 times, often by Popes seen as reformers or administrators. Gregory I (“the Great”) set the standard for many centuries.
- Benedict: Used 16 times, most recently by Benedict XVI. The name honors St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of Western monasticism.
- Clement: Chosen 14 times, a name often associated with mercy and steadiness.
- Innocent: Used 13 times, popular in the medieval era.
- Leo: Also 13 times, beginning with Leo I (“the Great”), known for his theological writings and leadership during the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
- Pius: Chosen 12 times, most frequently in the modern era (19th–20th centuries), reflecting a desire for piety and tradition.
The choice of name can send a powerful signal: for example, when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he chose a name never used before, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and his message of humility, peace, and care for the poor.
Who Will Be the Next Pope? Leading Candidates for the 2025 Conclave
As the 2025 conclave begins, speculation is growing over who will become the 267th Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Among the most frequently mentioned contenders is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic skills and internal leadership. Another strong candidate is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, admired for his social engagement and peacemaking efforts. From outside Italy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines stands out as a possible “Asian Francis,” with his pastoral approach and focus on the poor. African voices also gain strength, particularly Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, both known for their advocacy on social and environmental justice. In Europe, Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France are also seen as viable options. The United States is represented by names like Cardinal Robert Prevost and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, both respected for their leadership and pastoral sensitivity. While no clear frontrunner has emerged, the choice of the next Pope will reflect the direction the Church wishes to take in addressing global challenges and spiritual renewal.
The new pope: Robert Prevost
The new pope elected on May 8, 2025 is: Robert Prevost. Pope Prevost succeeds Pope Francis. Robert Francis Prevost is an American cardinal of the Catholic Church, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he spent many years as a missionary in Peru, where he served as chancellor of the Prelature of Chulucanas and director of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo.
In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held for two terms until 2013. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, and in 2023, he became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key position in the Roman Curia.
He was made a cardinal on September 30, 2023, and in February 2025, he was elevated to Cardinal Bishop with the title of the Suburbicarian See of Albano. With dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship, Cardinal Prevost is recognized as a prominent figure in the global Catholic Church.
Other articles: Major Religious Groups in the World – 1945/2025
See video: Full list of popes 33/2025
