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List of popes

Updated: Wikipedia source

List of popes

This chronological list of the popes of the Catholic Church corresponds to that given in the Annuario Pontificio under the heading "I Sommi Pontefici Romani" (The Roman Supreme Pontiffs), excluding those that are explicitly indicated as antipopes. Published every year by the Roman Curia, the Annuario Pontificio no longer identifies popes by regnal number, stating that it is impossible to decide which pope represented the legitimate succession at various times. The 2001 edition of the Annuario Pontificio introduced "almost 200 corrections to its existing biographies of the popes, from St Peter to John Paul II". The corrections concerned dates, especially in the first two centuries, birthplaces and the family name of one pope. The term pope (Latin: papa, lit. 'father') is used in several churches to denote their high spiritual leaders (for example Coptic pope). This title is usually used in English to refer to the head of the Catholic Church. The Catholic pope uses various titles by tradition, including Summus Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, and Servus servorum Dei. Each title has been added by unique historical events, and unlike other papal prerogatives, is not incapable of modification. Hermannus Contractus may have been the first historian to number the popes continuously. His list ends in 1049 with Leo IX as number 154. Several changes were made to the list during the 20th century. Christopher was considered a legitimate pope for a long time but was removed due to how he obtained the papacy. Pope-elect Stephen was listed as Stephen II until the 1961 edition, when his name was removed. The decisions of the Council of Pisa (1409) were reversed in 1963 in a reinterpretation of the Western Schism, extending Gregory XII's pontificate to 1415 and classifying rival claimants Alexander V and John XXIII as antipopes. A significant number of these popes have been recognized as saints, including 48 out of the first 50 consecutive popes, and others are in the sainthood process. Of the first 31 popes, 28 died as martyrs.

Tables

Popes of the 1st century
St Peter PETRVS
St Peter PETRVS
Pontiff number
1
Pontificate
c. 30 – c. 64 (34 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Peter PETRVS
Date and place of birth
Bethsaida, Gaulanitis, Herodian tetrarchy
Notes
Born Simon, son of Jonah. A Jewish peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 29 June. Apostle of Jesus. According to Catholic tradition, he received the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:18–19). The Catholic Church recognizes him as the first bishop of Rom
St Linus LINVS
St Linus LINVS
Pontiff number
2
Pontificate
c. 64 – c. 76 (?) (12 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Linus LINVS
Date and place of birth
Volterrae, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
First Roman pope. Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Feast day 23 September. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 7 June. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Second Epistle to Timothy 4:21).
St Cletus CLETVS
St Cletus CLETVS
Pontiff number
3
Pontificate
c. 76 – c. 88 (?) (12 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Cletus CLETVS
Date and place of birth
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
Notes
First Greek pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Once erroneously split into Cletus and Anacletus. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
St Clement I CLEMENS
St Clement I CLEMENS
Pontiff number
4
Pontificate
c. 88 – c. 97 (?) (9 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Clement I CLEMENS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 23 November. The earliest Apostolic Father; issued First Clement, which is said to be the basis of apostolic authority for the clergy. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 25 November. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Epistle to the Philippians
St Evaristus EVARISTVS
St Evaristus EVARISTVS
Pontiff number
5
Pontificate
c. 97 – c. 105 (?) (8 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Evaristus EVARISTVS
Date and place of birth
Bethlehem, Judaea, Roman Empire
Notes
A Hellenized Jew. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day of 26 October. Said to have divided Rome into parishes, assigning a priest to each.
Pontiff number
Pontificate
Name: English · Latin
Date and place of birth
Age at start/ end
Notes
1
c. 30 – c. 64 (34 years)
St Peter PETRVS
Bethsaida, Gaulanitis, Herodian tetrarchy
Born Simon, son of Jonah. A Jewish peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 29 June. Apostle of Jesus. According to Catholic tradition, he received the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:18–19). The Catholic Church recognizes him as the first bishop of Rom
2
c. 64 – c. 76 (?) (12 years)
St Linus LINVS
Volterrae, Italia, Roman Empire
First Roman pope. Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Feast day 23 September. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 7 June. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Second Epistle to Timothy 4:21).
3
c. 76 – c. 88 (?) (12 years)
St Cletus CLETVS
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
First Greek pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Once erroneously split into Cletus and Anacletus. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
4
c. 88 – c. 97 (?) (9 years)
St Clement I CLEMENS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 23 November. The earliest Apostolic Father; issued First Clement, which is said to be the basis of apostolic authority for the clergy. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 25 November. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Epistle to the Philippians
5
c. 97 – c. 105 (?) (8 years)
St Evaristus EVARISTVS
Bethlehem, Judaea, Roman Empire
A Hellenized Jew. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day of 26 October. Said to have divided Rome into parishes, assigning a priest to each.
Popes of the 2nd century
St Alexander I ALEXANDER
St Alexander I ALEXANDER
Pontiff number
6
Pontificate
c. 105 – c. 115 (?) (10 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Alexander I ALEXANDER
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 3 May. Inaugurated the custom of blessing houses with holy water. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 18 March.
St Sixtus I XYSTVS
St Sixtus I XYSTVS
Pontiff number
7
Pontificate
c. 115 – c. 125 (10 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Sixtus I XYSTVS
Date and place of birth
c. 42 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 6 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 10 August.
St Telesphorus TELESPHORVS
St Telesphorus TELESPHORVS
Pontiff number
8
Pontificate
c. 125 – c. 136 (11 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Telesphorus TELESPHORVS
Date and place of birth
Terra Nova, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 5 January. Church Father St. Irenaeus called him a great martyr; the earliest attested martyrdom of pope after St. Peter. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, w
St Hyginus HYGINVS
St Hyginus HYGINVS
Pontiff number
9
Pontificate
c. 136 – c. 140 (4 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Hyginus HYGINVS
Date and place of birth
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
Notes
Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 11 January.
St Pius I PIVS
St Pius I PIVS
Pontiff number
10
Pontificate
c. 140 – c. 155 (15 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Pius I PIVS
Date and place of birth
Aquileia, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Brother of the freedman Hermas. Martyred by sword; feast day 11 July. Decreed that Easter should only be celebrated on a Sunday.
St Anicetus ANICETVS
St Anicetus ANICETVS
Pontiff number
11
Pontificate
c. 155 – 166/7 (11–12 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Anicetus ANICETVS
Date and place of birth
Emesa, Syria, Roman Empire
Notes
Hellenized Syrian; first Syrian pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 20 April. Decreed that priests are not allowed to have long hair. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 17 April.
St Soter SOTER
St Soter SOTER
Pontiff number
12
Pontificate
166/7 – 174/5 (8–9 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Soter SOTER
Date and place of birth
Fundi, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 22 April. Declared that marriage was valid as a sacrament blessed by a priest; formally inaugurated Easter as an annual festival in Rome.
St Eleutherius ELEVTHERIVS
St Eleutherius ELEVTHERIVS
Pontiff number
13
Pontificate
174/5 – 189 (14–15 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Eleutherius ELEVTHERIVS
Date and place of birth
Nicopolis, Epirus, Roman Empire
Notes
Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 6 May.
St Victor I VICTOR
St Victor I VICTOR
Pontiff number
14
Pontificate
189 – 198/9 (9–10 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Victor I VICTOR
Date and place of birth
Africa, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman Berber; first pope to have been born on the continent of Africa. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 28 July or 11 January. Known for excommunicating Theodotus of Byzantium. Quartodecimanism controversy.
St Zephyrinus ZEPHYRINVS
St Zephyrinus ZEPHYRINVS
Pontiff number
15
Pontificate
198/9 – 20 December 217 (18–19 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Zephyrinus ZEPHYRINVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Although not physically martyred (murdered), he is called a martyr for the suffering he endured; feast day 20 December. Combated against the adoptionist heresies of the followers of Theodotus of Byzantium, who were ruled by Theodotus and Asclepiodotus.
Natalius NATALIVS
Natalius NATALIVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
c. 198/9 – c. 199/200 (1 year)
Name: English · Latin
Natalius NATALIVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. In opposition to Zephyrinus. Later reconciled.
Pontiff number
Pontificate
Name: English · Latin
Date and place of birth
Age at start/ end
Notes
6
c. 105 – c. 115 (?) (10 years)
St Alexander I ALEXANDER
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 3 May. Inaugurated the custom of blessing houses with holy water. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 18 March.
7
c. 115 – c. 125 (10 years)
St Sixtus I XYSTVS
c. 42 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 6 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 10 August.
8
c. 125 – c. 136 (11 years)
St Telesphorus TELESPHORVS
Terra Nova, Italia, Roman Empire
A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 5 January. Church Father St. Irenaeus called him a great martyr; the earliest attested martyrdom of pope after St. Peter. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, w
9
c. 136 – c. 140 (4 years)
St Hyginus HYGINVS
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 11 January.
10
c. 140 – c. 155 (15 years)
St Pius I PIVS
Aquileia, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Brother of the freedman Hermas. Martyred by sword; feast day 11 July. Decreed that Easter should only be celebrated on a Sunday.
11
c. 155 – 166/7 (11–12 years)
St Anicetus ANICETVS
Emesa, Syria, Roman Empire
Hellenized Syrian; first Syrian pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 20 April. Decreed that priests are not allowed to have long hair. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 17 April.
12
166/7 – 174/5 (8–9 years)
St Soter SOTER
Fundi, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 22 April. Declared that marriage was valid as a sacrament blessed by a priest; formally inaugurated Easter as an annual festival in Rome.
13
174/5 – 189 (14–15 years)
St Eleutherius ELEVTHERIVS
Nicopolis, Epirus, Roman Empire
Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 6 May.
14
189 – 198/9 (9–10 years)
St Victor I VICTOR
Africa, Roman Empire
Roman Berber; first pope to have been born on the continent of Africa. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 28 July or 11 January. Known for excommunicating Theodotus of Byzantium. Quartodecimanism controversy.
15
198/9 – 20 December 217 (18–19 years)
St Zephyrinus ZEPHYRINVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Although not physically martyred (murdered), he is called a martyr for the suffering he endured; feast day 20 December. Combated against the adoptionist heresies of the followers of Theodotus of Byzantium, who were ruled by Theodotus and Asclepiodotus.
—
c. 198/9 – c. 199/200 (1 year)
Natalius NATALIVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. In opposition to Zephyrinus. Later reconciled.
Popes of the 3rd century
St Callixtus I CALLISTVS
St Callixtus I CALLISTVS
Pontiff number
16
Pontificate
218 – 14 October 222 (4 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Callixtus I CALLISTVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred; feast day 14 October.
St Hippolytus HIPPOLYTVS
St Hippolytus HIPPOLYTVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
217 – 235 (18 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Hippolytus HIPPOLYTVS
Date and place of birth
c. 170
Age at start/ end
47 / 65
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). In opposition to Callixtus I, Urban I, and Pontian. Later reconciled with Pontian (see below).
St Urban I VRBANVS
St Urban I VRBANVS
Pontiff number
17
Pontificate
222 – 19 May 230 (7 years)
Name: English · Latin
St Urban I VRBANVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 May. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
St Pontian PONTIANVS
St Pontian PONTIANVS
Pontiff number
18
Pontificate
21 July 230 – 28 September 235 (5 years, 69 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Pontian PONTIANVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 13 August. First to abdicate due to his exile to Sardinia by Emperor Maximinus Thrax. The Liberian Catalogue recorded his exile on 28 September 235, the earliest exact date in papal history. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
St Anterus ANTERVS
St Anterus ANTERVS
Pontiff number
19
Pontificate
21 November 235 – 3 January 236 (43 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Anterus ANTERVS
Date and place of birth
Petelia, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Feast day 3 January. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
St Fabian FABIANVS
St Fabian FABIANVS
Pontiff number
20
Pontificate
10 January 236 – 20 January 250 (13 years, 344 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Fabian FABIANVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 20 January. Divided the communities of Rome into seven districts, each supervised by a deacon. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
St Cornelius CORNELIVS
St Cornelius CORNELIVS
Pontiff number
21
Pontificate
March 251 – June 253 (2 years, 3 months)
Name: English · Latin
St Cornelius CORNELIVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Died as a martyr through extreme hardship; feast day 16 September.
Novatian NOVATIANVS
Novatian NOVATIANVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
March 251 – 258 (7 years)
Name: English · Latin
Novatian NOVATIANVS
Date and place of birth
c. 200–220 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Age at start/ end
31–51 / 38–58
Notes
Roman citizen. Founder of Novatianism. In opposition to Cornelius, Lucius I, Stephen I, and Sixtus II.
St Lucius I LUCIVS
St Lucius I LUCIVS
Pontiff number
22
Pontificate
25 June 253 – 5 March 254 (253 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Lucius I LUCIVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 5 March.
St Stephen I STEPHANVS
St Stephen I STEPHANVS
Pontiff number
23
Pontificate
12 March 254 – 2 August 257 (3 years, 143 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Stephen I STEPHANVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred by beheading; feast day 2 August. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
St Sixtus II XYSTVS Secundus
St Sixtus II XYSTVS Secundus
Pontiff number
24
Pontificate
31 August 257 – 6 August 258 (340 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Sixtus II XYSTVS Secundus
Date and place of birth
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred by beheading; feast day 6 August. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
St Dionysius DIONYSIVS
St Dionysius DIONYSIVS
Pontiff number
25
Pontificate
22 July 259 – 27 December 268 (9 years, 158 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Dionysius DIONYSIVS
Date and place of birth
Terra Nova, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Feast day 26 December.
St Felix I FELIX
St Felix I FELIX
Pontiff number
26
Pontificate
5 January 269 – 30 December 274 (5 years, 359 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Felix I FELIX
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 30 December.
St Eutychian EVTYCHIANVS
St Eutychian EVTYCHIANVS
Pontiff number
27
Pontificate
4 January 275 – 7 December 283 (8 years, 337 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Eutychian EVTYCHIANVS
Date and place of birth
Luna, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 8 December.
St Caius CAIVS
St Caius CAIVS
Pontiff number
28
Pontificate
17 December 283 – 22 April 296 (12 years, 127 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Caius CAIVS
Date and place of birth
Salona, Dalmatia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Martyred by beheading (according to legend); feast day 22 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 11 August.
St Marcellinus MARCELLINVS
St Marcellinus MARCELLINVS
Pontiff number
29
Pontificate
30 June 296 – 25 October 304 (8 years, 117 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Marcellinus MARCELLINVS
Date and place of birth
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 7 June.
Pontiff number
Pontificate
Name: English · Latin
Date and place of birth
Age at start/ end
Notes
16
218 – 14 October 222 (4 years)
St Callixtus I CALLISTVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred; feast day 14 October.
—
217 – 235 (18 years)
St Hippolytus HIPPOLYTVS
c. 170
47 / 65
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). In opposition to Callixtus I, Urban I, and Pontian. Later reconciled with Pontian (see below).
17
222 – 19 May 230 (7 years)
St Urban I VRBANVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 May. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
18
21 July 230 – 28 September 235 (5 years, 69 days)
St Pontian PONTIANVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 13 August. First to abdicate due to his exile to Sardinia by Emperor Maximinus Thrax. The Liberian Catalogue recorded his exile on 28 September 235, the earliest exact date in papal history. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
19
21 November 235 – 3 January 236 (43 days)
St Anterus ANTERVS
Petelia, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Feast day 3 January. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
20
10 January 236 – 20 January 250 (13 years, 344 days)
St Fabian FABIANVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 20 January. Divided the communities of Rome into seven districts, each supervised by a deacon. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August.
21
March 251 – June 253 (2 years, 3 months)
St Cornelius CORNELIVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Died as a martyr through extreme hardship; feast day 16 September.
—
March 251 – 258 (7 years)
Novatian NOVATIANVS
c. 200–220 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
31–51 / 38–58
Roman citizen. Founder of Novatianism. In opposition to Cornelius, Lucius I, Stephen I, and Sixtus II.
22
25 June 253 – 5 March 254 (253 days)
St Lucius I LUCIVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 5 March.
23
12 March 254 – 2 August 257 (3 years, 143 days)
St Stephen I STEPHANVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred by beheading; feast day 2 August. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
24
31 August 257 – 6 August 258 (340 days)
St Sixtus II XYSTVS Secundus
Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred by beheading; feast day 6 August. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day.
25
22 July 259 – 27 December 268 (9 years, 158 days)
St Dionysius DIONYSIVS
Terra Nova, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Feast day 26 December.
26
5 January 269 – 30 December 274 (5 years, 359 days)
St Felix I FELIX
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 30 December.
27
4 January 275 – 7 December 283 (8 years, 337 days)
St Eutychian EVTYCHIANVS
Luna, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 8 December.
28
17 December 283 – 22 April 296 (12 years, 127 days)
St Caius CAIVS
Salona, Dalmatia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Martyred by beheading (according to legend); feast day 22 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 11 August.
29
30 June 296 – 25 October 304 (8 years, 117 days)
St Marcellinus MARCELLINVS
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 7 June.
Popes of the 4th century
St Marcellus I MARCELLVS
St Marcellus I MARCELLVS
Pontiff number
30
Pontificate
27 May 308 – 16 January 309 (234 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Marcellus I MARCELLVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Banished from Rome by Emperor Maxentius (309) and died in exile; feast day 16 January.
St Eusebius EVSEBIVS
St Eusebius EVSEBIVS
Pontiff number
31
Pontificate
18 April 309 – 17 August 310 (1 year, 121 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Eusebius EVSEBIVS
Date and place of birth
Achaea, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Banished by Emperor Maxentius and died in exile; feast day 17 August.
St Miltiades (Melchiades) MILTIADES
St Miltiades (Melchiades) MILTIADES
Pontiff number
32
Pontificate
2 July 311 – 10 January 314 (2 years, 192 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Miltiades (Melchiades) MILTIADES
Date and place of birth
Africa, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Berber descent. Feast day 10 January. First pope after the end of the persecution of Christians through the Edict of Milan (313), issued by Emperor Constantine I. Presided over the Lateran Council of 313.
St Sylvester I SILVESTER
St Sylvester I SILVESTER
Pontiff number
33
Pontificate
31 January 314 – 31 December 335 (21 years, 334 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Sylvester I SILVESTER
Date and place of birth
Fanum Sancti Angeli de Scala, Apulia et Calabria, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 31 December. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 2 January. Pope during the First Council of Nicaea (325), the first ecumenical council. Under him were built: the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and the Old St. Peter's Basilica. Stated to be the recipient
St Mark MARCVS
St Mark MARCVS
Pontiff number
34
Pontificate
18 January 336 – 7 October 336 (263 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Mark MARCVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 7 October. Compiled stories of martyrs and bishops before his time. May have founded two churches in the area of Rome: Church of San Marco and a church at the Catacomb of Balbina, a cemetery.
St Julius I IVLIVS
St Julius I IVLIVS
Pontiff number
35
Pontificate
6 February 337 – 12 April 352 (15 years, 66 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Julius I IVLIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 April. He was involved in the Arian controversy, supporting Athanasius of Alexandria.
Liberius LIBERIVS
Liberius LIBERIVS
Pontiff number
36
Pontificate
17 May 352 – 24 September 366 (14 years, 130 days)
Name: English · Latin
Liberius LIBERIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Banished by the Arian-leaning Emperor Constantius II and later yielding to him. Earliest pope not canonized by the Latin Church. Revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 27 August.
Felix II FELIX Secundus
Felix II FELIX Secundus
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
355 – 22 November 365 (10 years, 0 days)
Name: English · Latin
Felix II FELIX Secundus
Date and place of birth
c. 300 Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Age at start/ end
55 / 65
Notes
Roman citizen. In opposition to Liberius. Installed by Arian-leaning Emperor Constantius II.
St Damasus I DAMASVS
St Damasus I DAMASVS
Pontiff number
37
Pontificate
1 October 366 – 11 December 384 (18 years, 71 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Damasus I DAMASVS
Date and place of birth
c. 305 Egitania, Lusitania or Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Age at start/ end
60 / 78
Notes
Roman citizen. First pope from modern-day Portugal. Feast day 11 December. Patron of Jerome, commissioned the Vulgate translation of the Bible. Pope during the First Council of Constantinople (381), the second ecumenical council, and the Council of Rome (382). First pope to be the official head of the church after Emperor Gratian abdicated the titl
Ursinus VRSINVS
Ursinus VRSINVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
1 October 366 – 16 November 367 (1 year, 46 days)
Name: English · Latin
Ursinus VRSINVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. In opposition to Damasus I. Banished to Gallia by Emperor Valentinian II after a war between two sects and died after 384.
St Siricius SIRICIVS
St Siricius SIRICIVS
Pontiff number
38
Pontificate
17 December 384 – 26 November 399 (14 years, 344 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Siricius SIRICIVS
Date and place of birth
c. 334 Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Age at start/ end
50 / 65
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 November. His famous letters—the earliest surviving texts of papal decretals—were focused particularly on religious discipline and include decisions on baptism, consecration, ordination, penance, and continence. Siricius's important decretal of 386 (written to Bishop Himerius of Tarragona), commanding celibacy for priest
St Anastasius I ANASTASIVS
St Anastasius I ANASTASIVS
Pontiff number
39
Pontificate
27 November 399 – 19 December 401 (2 years, 22 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Anastasius I ANASTASIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 19 December. Instructed priests to stand and bow their heads as they read from the Gospels.
Pontiff number
Pontificate
Name: English · Latin
Date and place of birth
Age at start/ end
Notes
30
27 May 308 – 16 January 309 (234 days)
St Marcellus I MARCELLVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Banished from Rome by Emperor Maxentius (309) and died in exile; feast day 16 January.
31
18 April 309 – 17 August 310 (1 year, 121 days)
St Eusebius EVSEBIVS
Achaea, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Banished by Emperor Maxentius and died in exile; feast day 17 August.
32
2 July 311 – 10 January 314 (2 years, 192 days)
St Miltiades (Melchiades) MILTIADES
Africa, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Berber descent. Feast day 10 January. First pope after the end of the persecution of Christians through the Edict of Milan (313), issued by Emperor Constantine I. Presided over the Lateran Council of 313.
33
31 January 314 – 31 December 335 (21 years, 334 days)
St Sylvester I SILVESTER
Fanum Sancti Angeli de Scala, Apulia et Calabria, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 31 December. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 2 January. Pope during the First Council of Nicaea (325), the first ecumenical council. Under him were built: the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and the Old St. Peter's Basilica. Stated to be the recipient
34
18 January 336 – 7 October 336 (263 days)
St Mark MARCVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 7 October. Compiled stories of martyrs and bishops before his time. May have founded two churches in the area of Rome: Church of San Marco and a church at the Catacomb of Balbina, a cemetery.
35
6 February 337 – 12 April 352 (15 years, 66 days)
St Julius I IVLIVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 April. He was involved in the Arian controversy, supporting Athanasius of Alexandria.
36
17 May 352 – 24 September 366 (14 years, 130 days)
Liberius LIBERIVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Banished by the Arian-leaning Emperor Constantius II and later yielding to him. Earliest pope not canonized by the Latin Church. Revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 27 August.
—
355 – 22 November 365 (10 years, 0 days)
Felix II FELIX Secundus
c. 300 Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
55 / 65
Roman citizen. In opposition to Liberius. Installed by Arian-leaning Emperor Constantius II.
37
1 October 366 – 11 December 384 (18 years, 71 days)
St Damasus I DAMASVS
c. 305 Egitania, Lusitania or Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
60 / 78
Roman citizen. First pope from modern-day Portugal. Feast day 11 December. Patron of Jerome, commissioned the Vulgate translation of the Bible. Pope during the First Council of Constantinople (381), the second ecumenical council, and the Council of Rome (382). First pope to be the official head of the church after Emperor Gratian abdicated the titl
—
1 October 366 – 16 November 367 (1 year, 46 days)
Ursinus VRSINVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. In opposition to Damasus I. Banished to Gallia by Emperor Valentinian II after a war between two sects and died after 384.
38
17 December 384 – 26 November 399 (14 years, 344 days)
St Siricius SIRICIVS
c. 334 Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
50 / 65
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 November. His famous letters—the earliest surviving texts of papal decretals—were focused particularly on religious discipline and include decisions on baptism, consecration, ordination, penance, and continence. Siricius's important decretal of 386 (written to Bishop Himerius of Tarragona), commanding celibacy for priest
39
27 November 399 – 19 December 401 (2 years, 22 days)
St Anastasius I ANASTASIVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 19 December. Instructed priests to stand and bow their heads as they read from the Gospels.
Popes of the 5th century
St Innocent I INNOCENTIVS
St Innocent I INNOCENTIVS
Pontiff number
40
Pontificate
21 December 401 – 12 March 417 (15 years, 81 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Innocent I INNOCENTIVS
Date and place of birth
Albanum, Latium et Campania, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 March. Rome was sacked by the Visigoths under King Alaric I (410).
St Zosimus ZOSIMVS
St Zosimus ZOSIMVS
Pontiff number
41
Pontificate
18 March 417 – 26 December 418 (1 year, 283 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Zosimus ZOSIMVS
Date and place of birth
Messurga, Lucania et Bruttii, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Feast day 27 December.
Eulalius EVLALIVS
Eulalius EVLALIVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
27 December 418 – 3 April 419 (97 days)
Name: English · Latin
Eulalius EVLALIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. In opposition to Boniface I. Elected on the eve of the election of Boniface, first benefited from the support of Emperor Honorius but lost it quickly. Exiled to Campania and died in 423.
St Boniface I BONIFACIVS
St Boniface I BONIFACIVS
Pontiff number
42
Pontificate
28 December 418 – 4 September 422 (3 years, 250 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Boniface I BONIFACIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 October.
St Celestine I COELESTINVS
St Celestine I COELESTINVS
Pontiff number
43
Pontificate
10 September 422 – 27 July 432 (9 years, 321 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Celestine I COELESTINVS
Date and place of birth
Campania, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 27 July. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 8 April. Pope during the Council of Ephesus (431), the third ecumenical council recognized by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches.
St Sixtus III XYSTVS Tertius
St Sixtus III XYSTVS Tertius
Pontiff number
44
Pontificate
31 July 432 – 18 August 440 (8 years, 18 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Sixtus III XYSTVS Tertius
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 March.
St Leo I "the Great" LEO MAGNVS
St Leo I "the Great" LEO MAGNVS
Pontiff number
45
Pontificate
29 September 440 – 10 November 461 (21 years, 42 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Leo I "the Great" LEO MAGNVS
Date and place of birth
Etruria, Italy, Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 10 November. Convinced Attila the Hun to turn back his invasion of Italy. Convinced the Vandals to spare the lives of the citizenry of Rome during their sack of the city. Wrote the Tome, which was instrumental in the Council of Chalcedon (451) and in defining the hypostatic union. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christia
St Hilarius HILARIVS
St Hilarius HILARIVS
Pontiff number
46
Pontificate
19 November 461 – 29 February 468 (6 years, 102 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Hilarius HILARIVS
Date and place of birth
Sardinia, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 February.
St Simplicius SIMPLICIVS
St Simplicius SIMPLICIVS
Pontiff number
47
Pontificate
3 March 468 – 10 March 483 (15 years, 7 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Simplicius SIMPLICIVS
Date and place of birth
Tibur, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, later a subject of the Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 10 March. Pope during the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and subsequent overtaking of Rome and Italy in general by King Odoacer.
St Felix III FELIX Tertius
St Felix III FELIX Tertius
Pontiff number
48
Pontificate
13 March 483 – 1 March 492 (8 years, 354 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Felix III FELIX Tertius
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, later a subject of the Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 1 March. Sometimes called Felix II. Great-great-grandfather of Gregory I.
St Gelasius I GELASIVS
St Gelasius I GELASIVS
Pontiff number
49
Pontificate
1 March 492 – 21 November 496 (4 years, 265 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Gelasius I GELASIVS
Date and place of birth
Mons Ferratus, Africa, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Berber descent, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy; last pope to have been born on the continent of Africa. Feast day 21 November. First pope called the Vicarius Christi (Vicar of Christ).
Anastasius II ANASTASIVS Secundus
Anastasius II ANASTASIVS Secundus
Pontiff number
50
Pontificate
24 November 496 – 19 November 498 (1 year, 360 days)
Name: English · Latin
Anastasius II ANASTASIVS Secundus
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen of Greek descent, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. Tried to end the Acacian schism, but it resulted in the Laurentian schism. Earliest pope not canonized by either the Latin Church or the Eastern Church.
St Symmachus SYMMACHVS
St Symmachus SYMMACHVS
Pontiff number
51
Pontificate
22 November 498 – 19 July 514 (15 years, 239 days)
Name: English · Latin
St Symmachus SYMMACHVS
Date and place of birth
Sardinia, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 19 July.
Laurentius LAVRENTIVS
Laurentius LAVRENTIVS
Pontiff number
—
Pontificate
22 November 498 – Aug 506/8 (7 years, 252 days)
Name: English · Latin
Laurentius LAVRENTIVS
Date and place of birth
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Notes
Roman citizen, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. In opposition to Symmachus. Elected on the same day as Symachus, King Theodoric settled in favour of his adversary. Took control of Rome in 501 and remained pope in fact until he died in 506/08.
Pontiff number
Pontificate
Name: English · Latin
Date and place of birth
Age at start/ end
Notes
40
21 December 401 – 12 March 417 (15 years, 81 days)
St Innocent I INNOCENTIVS
Albanum, Latium et Campania, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 March. Rome was sacked by the Visigoths under King Alaric I (410).
41
18 March 417 – 26 December 418 (1 year, 283 days)
St Zosimus ZOSIMVS
Messurga, Lucania et Bruttii, Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Feast day 27 December.
—
27 December 418 – 3 April 419 (97 days)
Eulalius EVLALIVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. In opposition to Boniface I. Elected on the eve of the election of Boniface, first benefited from the support of Emperor Honorius but lost it quickly. Exiled to Campania and died in 423.
42
28 December 418 – 4 September 422 (3 years, 250 days)
St Boniface I BONIFACIVS
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 October.
43
10 September 422 – 27 July 432 (9 years, 321 days)
St Celestine I COELESTINVS
Campania, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 27 July. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 8 April. Pope during the Council of Ephesus (431), the third ecumenical council recognized by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches.
44
31 July 432 – 18 August 440 (8 years, 18 days)
St Sixtus III XYSTVS Tertius
Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 March.
45
29 September 440 – 10 November 461 (21 years, 42 days)
St Leo I "the Great" LEO MAGNVS
Etruria, Italy, Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 10 November. Convinced Attila the Hun to turn back his invasion of Italy. Convinced the Vandals to spare the lives of the citizenry of Rome during their sack of the city. Wrote the Tome, which was instrumental in the Council of Chalcedon (451) and in defining the hypostatic union. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christia
46
19 November 461 – 29 February 468 (6 years, 102 days)
St Hilarius HILARIVS
Sardinia, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 February.
47
3 March 468 – 10 March 483 (15 years, 7 days)
St Simplicius SIMPLICIVS
Tibur, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen, later a subject of the Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 10 March. Pope during the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and subsequent overtaking of Rome and Italy in general by King Odoacer.
48
13 March 483 – 1 March 492 (8 years, 354 days)
St Felix III FELIX Tertius
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen, later a subject of the Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 1 March. Sometimes called Felix II. Great-great-grandfather of Gregory I.
49
1 March 492 – 21 November 496 (4 years, 265 days)
St Gelasius I GELASIVS
Mons Ferratus, Africa, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Berber descent, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy; last pope to have been born on the continent of Africa. Feast day 21 November. First pope called the Vicarius Christi (Vicar of Christ).
50
24 November 496 – 19 November 498 (1 year, 360 days)
Anastasius II ANASTASIVS Secundus
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen of Greek descent, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. Tried to end the Acacian schism, but it resulted in the Laurentian schism. Earliest pope not canonized by either the Latin Church or the Eastern Church.
51
22 November 498 – 19 July 514 (15 years, 239 days)
St Symmachus SYMMACHVS
Sardinia, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. Feast day 19 July.
—
22 November 498 – Aug 506/8 (7 years, 252 days)
Laurentius LAVRENTIVS
Rome, Italy, Western Roman Empire
Roman citizen, later a subject of the (Ostrogothic) Kingdom of Italy. In opposition to Symmachus. Elected on the same day as Symachus, King Theodoric settled in favour of his adversary. Took control of Rome in 501 and remained pope in fact until he died in 506/08.

References

  1. No longer inhabited; These lands would be annexed into Roman Syria by the Roman Empire during his pontificate.
  2. Now Volterra, Italy
  3. Roman citizenship was given to the rest of the Italians by the end of the Social War in 87 BC.
  4. Now Athens, Greece
  5. Now Rome, Italy
  6. Now Bethlehem, Palestine
  7. Now Terranova da Sibari, Italy
  8. Now Aquileia, Italy
  9. Now Homs, Syria
  10. Now Fondi, Italy
  11. Now a Roman ruin near Preveza, Greece
  12. It is not clear when Pope Victor I was born, and where he was born, although some suggest he was born in Leptis Magna, n
  13. Now Petilia Policastro, Italy
  14. Now Luni, Italy
  15. Now a Roman ruin near Solin, Croatia
  16. Annuario Pontificio (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2012 ISBN 978-88-209-8722-0), p. 12
  17. "Corrections Made to Official List of Popes"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20090119001522/http://www.zenit.org/article-1597?l=english
  18. "Papal Primacy of honour: titles and insignia"
    http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12260a.htm#V
  19. Chronologie der römischen Bischöfe bis zur Mitte des vierten Jahrhunderts
    https://books.google.com/books?id=jnVKgrFFMN8C&pg=PA263
  20. The List of Popes Archived 9 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911. The exception is Saint Pe
    http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
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