A complete list of all 264 occupants of the Chair of Saint Peter
| Pope
Year
Note
St Peter Christ -67 Born Bethsaida Galilee. Crucified head downwards. St Linus 67-13/9/76 Born Volterra, Created first 15 Bishops. made women wear head cover in church St Cletus 76 - 88 Roman, Martyr, buried near St Peter St Clement 88 - 97 Roman, Banished by Trajan; thrown into the sea with an anchor around his neck St Evaristus 97 - 105 Greek, Laid foundation for College of Cardinals. Started solemn blessing after civil Marriage St Alexander I 105 -115 Roman, Institution of Holy Water and prescription that Host be made with unleavened bread. St SixtusI 115 -125 Roman, Linen for sacred cloth and Priests only should touch consecrated ornaments. St Telesphorus 125 - 136 Greek, Composed 'Gloria in Excelsis'. Martyr St Hyginus 136 - 140 Athenian , Described grades of ecclesiastical hierarchy St Pius I 140 - 155 Born in Aquileia, Martyr, Established Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon in March St Anicetus 155 - 166 Syrian, Martyr, Instructed clergy not to take excessive care of their hair. St Soter 166 - 175 Born in Fondi, Martyr, Pope of Charity. Forbad women to burn incense during gatherings. St Eleutherius 175 - 189 Born in Nicroplis (Epire), Martyr. Sent missions to the British. Abolished some Jewish food and purity habits. St Victor 189 - 199 Africa. Fought African and Asian Bishops in order to have Mass celebrated according to Roman rite not Hebrew St Zephyrinus 199 - 217 Rome, Martyr, Said First Communion on Easter when 14. Excommunicated Tertullian St Calixtus 217 - 222 Rome, Martyr, Made Catacombs on Apian Way. Beaten to death with stick and thrown into well. St Urban I 222 - 230 Rome, Martyr St Pontian 230 - 235 Rome, Ordered singing of psalms, Deported to mines of Sardinia where he died St Anterus 235 - 236 born in Magna Grecia, Martyr ordered relics of Martyrs to be stored in churches. St Fabian 236 - 250 Rome, Martyr. At election dove alighted on his head. Persecution during his reign led to mass exodus from Rome St Cornelius 251 - 253 Rome, First schism, with election of first Antipope Novatian. Excommunicated and exiled in Civitavecchia . St Lucius I 253 - 254 Rome, Severe, Men and women not related by blood and Clergy and deaconesses forbidden to cohabit. St Stephen I 254 - 257 Rome, Fights against Antipope Novatian. Decapitated on the pontifical chair. St Sixtus II 257 - 258 Greek, Meek and compounded dissent St Denis 259 - 268 Born in Turio, Emperor Valerianus stopped persecution and Barbarians stormed gates of Rome. St Felix I 269 - 274 Rome,Started Mass on the tomb of the dead. Started the divine and human nature of Christ in a single person St Eutychian 275 - 283 Born in Lumi, Martyr. Declared Martyrs should be swathed in cloak similar to Emperors and modern day Deacons St Caius 283 - 296 Dalmatic born in Salona, Martyr. Bishops must pass through 7 grades from hostiarius to priest. St Marcellinus 296 - 304 Rome, Martyr under Diocletian St Marcellus I 308 - 309 Rome, Martyr, Established Parish Churches followed 4 years when the seat was vacant. St Eusebius 309 Born in Cassano of Greek origin. problems of apostates almost led to schism. Died in Sicily. St Miltiades 311 - 314 Africa, Following a vision Constantinus declared Christianity the Official Religion St Sylvester I 314 - 335 Rome, First Pope to Wear the Tiara. First ecumenical Council of Nicea which created The Creed. St Mark 336 Rome, Instituted the Palium still worn by the Pope and made from the wool of two lambs previously blessed. St Julius 1 337 - 352 Rome, Decided the Byzantine Church should celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Founded Archives. St Liberius 352 - 366 Rome, Antipope Felix II. Laid foundations of St Maria Maggiore. St Damasus I 366 - 384 Spain, Authorised singing of Psalms by two choirs (ambrosian rite) introduced the Jewish word 'alleluja' St Siricus 384 - 399 Rome, First to use term POPE from the Greek - father. Some think it stands for Petri Apostoli Potestatem Accipens St Anastasius I 399 - 401 Rome, Schism with church of Antiochia. St Innocent I 401 - 417 Albano (Rome), Rome Sacked by Goths. Established the Roman rite in the Western World & Canonical books St Zosimas 417 - 418 Greek,(born Masurca). Illegitimate children should not be ordained. St Boniface I 418 - 422 Rome, Antipope Eucalius. Charles of Ravenna begins interference of secular power in Popes election. Celestine I 422 - 432 Rome, Synod of Rome , condemned followers of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople. S Patrick goes to Ireland St Sixtus III 432 - 440 Rome, Erected and embellished churches. Rome keeps power from Eastern Emperor and Constantinople. St Leo I 440 - 461 Italian, Kept unity and alone and unarmed he turned Attila back from Rome. St Hilary 461 - 468 Born in Cagliari, Severe, established Vicarage in Spain St Simplicius 468 - 483 Born in Tivoli, Eastern Empire collapsed. Schism leaves Churches of Armenia, Syria and Egypt. St Felix III 483 - 492 Rome, Tried to depose Patriarch of Constantinople. One of his children fathered Gregorius Magnus. St Gelasius I 492 - 496 Rome (African Origin). Father of the poor. Supremacy of Pope above King. Anastasius I 496 - 498 Rome, Worked for conversion of Franks. Accused of heresy. Dante put him in hell. St Symmachus 498 - 514 Sardinia, Consolidated church wealth Gave all slaves freedom. St Hormidas 514 - 523 Frosinone (Rome) Benedictines founded St John I 523 - 526 Populonia, Martyr, Crowned Emperor Justin, imprisoned and died in Ravenna by King Theodoric invader of Italy St Felix IV 526 - 530 Benevento, Appointed by Goth King Theodoric but was faithful to church so he was exiled. St Boniface II 530 - 532 Rome, of Gothic origins, opponents elected Dioscoros who soon died St John II 533 - 535 Rome, First Pope to change his name. Pope recognised as head of all bishops of the world. St Agapitus I 535 - 536 Rome, Went to Constantinople to control Emperor Justinian but poisoned by Justinian's wife. St Silverius 536 - 537 Frosinone (Rome), Justinian entered Rome and exiled Pope to Sardinia where he died. Vigilius 537 - 555 Rome, Opposed Byzantine influence. Arrested but escaped. Pelagius I 556 - 561 Rome, Justinian influenced his election but he remained faithful to principles. John III 561 - 574 Rome, . Incited Italians to defend themselves from Barbarism Benedict 1 575 - 579 Rome, Brought back order to Italy and France Pelagius II 579 - 590 Rome, Gothic origin, Died of a plague. St Gregory I 590 - 604 The Great. Rome, Social overhaul of Europe. Instituted Gregorian Chant. Sabinian 604 - 606 Born in Blera, Initiator of bells to show the hours and invitation to prayer. Boniface III 607 Rome, Forbade election of a Pope before three days after the death of a Pontiff St Boniface IV 608 - 615 Born Abruzzo, Consecrated Pantheon to worship of God St Deusdedit I 615 - 618 Rome, Attended to Lepers and Plague sufferers. Instituted seal for the Papal Bull. The oldest preserved. Boniface V 619 - 625 Naples, Foreign Princes quarrel for Crown of Italy. Began 'Sanctuary' for those seeking refuge from persecution Honorius I 625 - 638 Capua,, sent missionaries all over the world Severinus 640 Rome, Stood against Byzantine Emperor who ordered destruction of Lateran Church and Palace. John IV 640 - 642 Dalmatia, Tried to return Egypt dissidents Theodore I 642 - 649 Jerusalem, Added Sovereign to titles, probably poisoned St Martin I 649 - 654 Born in Todi, Called a Council of Rome to condemn the East Imprisoned, Exiled and died on Cherso St Eugene I 654 - 657 Rome, Proclaimed to Europe the troubles of the See persecuted by foreigners St Vitalian 657 - 672 Born in Segni, Decided on the liturgical sound of the organ for church ceremonies Deusdedit II 672 - 676 Rome, Converted Maronites Donus 676 - 678 Rome, Encouraged patronage of schools of Treviri in Gaul and Cambridge in England. St Agatho 678 - 681 Palermo, Relations with England and encouraged Ireland as a centre of Culture. called Healer for his miracles St Leo II 682 - 683 Sicily, Great Pomp to impress the people and sprinkled the people with water. St Benedict II 684 - 685 Rome, Wealthy and left legacy to poor John V 685 - 686 Antioch (Syria), Elected by influence of Byzantian Court Brought order to Sardinia Conon 686 - 687 Thrace, Anarchy and supposedly poisoned St Sergius I 687 - 701 Antioch, Named after two Antipopes Stopped Schism in Rome and Aquileia. Introduced the song 'Agnus Dei' John VI 701 - 705 Ephesus, Under attack from Saracens Turks in the East and in Spain. Emancipated many slaves John VII 705 - 707 Rossano di Calabria, Justinian II slaughtered many Italians Sissinnius 708 Syria, Started repair of Roman Walls Constantine 708 - 715 Syria, Taken to Byzantium against his will. Encouraged Spain's fight against unfaithful St Gregory II 715 - 731 Rome, Reconstructed Roman Walls St Gregory III 731 - 741 Syrian, Helped by Charles the Hammer French Kings could use the title Most Christian St Zachary 741 - 752 Calabria, Held out against Rachis Duke of Friuli, and crowned Pepin the Short king of France Stephen II 752 for one day and died Stephen II 752 - 757 His election caused such joy that he was carried on the peoples shoulders which began the gestatorial chair. St Paul I 757 - 767 Rome, Cult of Holy Images, visited prisons and released debtors Stephen III 768 - 772 Sicily, Preceded by two Antipopes. Reaffirmed Charlemagne king of Franks, and helped Christians in Palestine Adrian I 772 - 795 Rome, Architectural repairs and layouts St Leo III 795 - 816 Rome, Institution of Holy Roman Empire. Stephen IV 816 - 817 Rome, Averted riots by oath to Emperor, subject to loyalty to Pope St Pascal I 817 - 824 Rome, Incited Christians of Palestine and Spain against the Saracens Eugene II 824 - 827 Rome, Founded what became the Roman Curia Valantine 827 Rome, loved for his goodness Gregory IV 827 - 844 Rome, Organised army which defeated the Saracens in Africa five times Sergius II 844 - 847 Rome, Saracens Laid siege to Rome St Leo IV 847 - 855 Rome, Kept Nobles under thumb and elected Doge of Venice Benedict III 855 - 858 Rome, Loved for virtue but opposed by Emperor and Antipope Nicholas I 858 - 867 The Great, Rome, Joined with Emperor to fight Saracens Adrian II 867 - 872 Rome, Crowned Alfred the Great, the first English sovereign blessed in Rome John VIII 872 - 882 Rome, Defeated Saracens at Rome and feared by Barbarians for hid energy and tireless activity Marinus I 882 - 884 Gallese (Rome), Pressure on Eastern Emperors and possibly poisoned St Adrian III 884 - 885 Died on the way to see Charles the Fat in France Stephen V 885 - 891 Rome, Hearing he had been elected he barricaded himself at home. Banned trial by fire and encouraged arts Formosus 891 - 896 Ostia, Difficult period. His corpse was put on trial Bonivace VI 896 Rome, died after 15 days of a useless pontificate Stephen VI 896 - 897 Rome, Had the corpse of Formosus thrown into Tiber and was killed by a furious mob. Romanus 897 Gallese (Rome), Poisoned Theodore II 897 Rome, 20 days and then poisoned John IX 898 - 900 Tivoli (Rome), Strengthened supremacy of Church Benedict IV 900 - 903 Rome, Amidst much corruption tried to instil justice Leo V 903 Ardea, after a few days he was imprisoned, murdered, burnt and his ashes thrown into the Tiber Sergius III 904 - 911 Rome, Rebuilt St John Lateran Basilica Anastasius III 911 - 913 Rome, Much disorder and probably poisoned Lando 913 - 914 Sabina, Made peace between factions and mysteriously died John X 914 - 928 Tossignano, Elected amongst intrigue, defeated Saracens was imprisoned and killed Leo VI 928 Rome, Questionable conduct and patron of the arts Stephen VI I 928 - 931 Rome, Nobles intrigues John XI 931 - 935 Rome, Family support and intrigue, died at 29 Leo VII 936 - 939 Rome, Reformed and reorganised the Monasteries Stephen VIII 939 - 942 Rome, Backed Louis IV Marinus II 942 - 946 Rome, Example of a pure and blameless life and returned Rome to the moral capital of the world Agapitus II 946 - 955 Rome, Raised moral conditions of clergy and converted Harold of Denmark John XII 955 - 964 Rome, Claimed temporal rights of the church, restored Holy Roman Empire Leo VIII 963 - 965 Rome, fought with John and Benedict. held chair for a few months Benedict V 964 - 966 Rome, Exiled in Hamburg by the Antipope John XIII 965 - 972 Rome, Imprisoned for 10 months Benedict VI 973 - 974 Rome, German faction attacked Castel St Angelo, put him in jail and murdered him Benedict VII 974 - 983 Rome, Fought against debauchery throughout the Christian world John XIV 983 - 984 Pavia, Virtuous but did little and poisoned John XV 985 - 996 Rome, Power collapsed and he fled to Tuscany Gregory V 996 - 999 Saxony, From refuge he restored peace to Rome Silvester II 999 - 1003 Auvergne. Introduced the use of Arabic numbers John XVII 1003 Rome, disorder John XVIII 1004 - 1009 Rome, Restored briefly the union between the Greek and Latin Church Sergius IV 1009 - 1012 Rome, On good terms with West and East, tried to quell debauchery in Bishops and great Abbots Benedict VIII 1012 - 1024 Rome, Outlawed Simony and duels John XIX 1024 - 1032 Rome, Patronised Guido d'Arezzo the inventor of musical notes Benedict IX 1032 - 1048 Rome, Pope at 12 but two Antipopes reigned at the same time Silvester III 1045 Rome Excommunicated by Benedict but recognised as a legitimate Pope Benedict IX 1045 Elected again for a short time Gregory VI 1045 - 1046 Rome, Replaced Benedict but abdicated Clement II 1046 - 1047 Saxony, Peaceful period Benedict IX 1047 - 1048 Elected for the third time. Damasus II 1048 Bavaria, Replaced Benedict but retired to Preneste and died St Leo IX 1049 - 1054 Lorrainer,Excommunicated Michael el Carularius who made the schism that separates the Greek and Latin Church Victor II 1055 - 1057 Born in Germany, gave great prosperity to the church Stephen IX 1057 - 1058 Lorrainer, Appointed renowned advisers and tried to reform Nicholas II 1059 - 1061 Bologna, Decided that only Cardinals should elect a Pope Alexander II 1061 - 1073 Forbade marriage between relatives St Gregory VII 1073 - 1085 Tuscany, Gathered in all Councils and Synods and forbade laity to appoint church dignitaries Victor III 1086 - 1087 Benevento, He took refuge and declared his election invalid but was elected a second time Urban II 1088 - 1099 France, First great Crusade declared Pascal II 1099 - 1118 Bieda (Ravenna ). Imprisoned by Henry V who forced free election of Bishops, later revoked Gelasius II 1118 - 1119 Gaeta (Naples), Captured in church and imprisoned Calixtus II 1119 - 1124 Burgundy, The Great Diet Of Mainz signed a Worms proclaimed the sole right of the Pope to nominate Bishops Honorius II 1124 - 1130 Fiagnano (Imola), Renewed alliances with European Courts to fight Saracens Innocent II 1130 - 1143 Rome, An Antipope drove him from Rome twice Celestine II 1143 - 1144Umbria, Tried to end war between England and Scotland Lucius II 1144 - 1145 Bologna, While trying to stop a riot he was killed by a stone B Eugene III 1145 - 1153 Pisa, Fled and wandered Italy and France until wars ended Anastasius IV 1153 - 1154 Rome, Made peace Adrian IV 1154 - 1159 Langly (England), man of great virtue Alexander III 1159 - 1181 Tuscany, Excommunicated and defeated Emperor Barbarossa Lucius III 1181 - 1185 Tuscany, Refuge in Verona, urged quelling heracies by sheer force Urban III 1185 - 1187 Milan, Died of Sorrow when Saracens took Jerusalem Gregory VIII 1187 Naples, Could have resolved problems between church and empire if he lived Clement III 1187 - 1191 Rome, Ended 60 years of trouble in Rome and launched unhappy 3rd Crusade Celestine III 1191 - 1198 Rome,Indissolubility of Marriage Approved Teutonic order of Knights who defended pilgrims in the Holy Land Innocent III 1198 - 1216 Anagni, Great and wealthy, reestablished temporal power and 5th Crusade Honorius III 1216 - 1227 Rome, Rose against Emperor of Germany Gregory IX 1227 - 1241 Rome, Canonised St Francis Celestine IV 1241 Milan, Died mysteriously Innocent IV 1243 - 1254 Genoa, Refuge in Sutri and Genoa to flee emperor Alexander IV 1254 - 1261 Rome, Summary prosecution against heresy Urban IV 1261 - 1264 Troyes (France), Elected suddenly when he went to Rome to pay homage. Instigated another Crusade Clement IV 1265 - 1268 Gilles (France), man of the world before entering priesthood B Gregory X 1272 - 1276 Piacenza, Vacant See for three years until the people removed the the roof and put Cardinals on bread and water B Innocent V 1276 Savoy, Spread Christianity to Mongolia and baptised the Great Khan's ambassadors. Adrian V 1276 Genoa, 39 days John XXI 1276 - 1277 Portugal, died under the collapse of his palace in Viterbo Nicholas III 1277 - 1280 Rome, Encouraged nepotism Martin IV 1281 - 1285 France, Revolution of the Sicilian Vespers Honorius IV 1285 - 1287 Rome, tried to quell factions Nicholas IV 1288 - 1292 Ascoli, order to the Court of Portugal, strengthened Missions and fought Saracens St Celestine V 1294 - 1296 Isernia, man of simplicity Boniface VIII 1294 - 1303 Rome, Great Pope who celebrated the first Holy Year in 1300. Founded a University B Benedict XI 1303 - 1304 Treviso, Killed by poisoned fig Clement V 1305 - 1314 Villandraut (France), Captivity of Avignon began and lasted 70 years John XXII 1316 - 1334 Cahors (France) Missions to Ceylon and Nubia Benedict XII 1335 - 1342 Saverdun (France), Lived in France because of troubles in Italy Clement VI 1342 - 1352 Maumont (France), Inflexible with dogma but easy on French Kings Innocent VI 1352 - 1362 Pompadour (France) Lived in Avignon as well Urban V 1362 - 1370 France, Briefly returned to Rome. Gregory XI 1371 - 1378 Maumont (France), Returned to Rome Urban VI 1378 - 1389 Naples, Unmanageable Boniface IX 1389 - 1404 Naples, Straightforward but weak Innocent VII 1404 - 1406 Sulmona, Cultured but weak Gregory XII 1406 - 1417 Venice, Uncertain and renounced Pontificate. Made Bishop due to integrity. Schism of Avignon Martin V 1417 - 1431 Rome, Importance of family returned See to Rome Eugene IV 1431 - 1447 Venice, Fled Rome many times Nicholas V 1447 - 1455 Saranza, Finally brought peace to Italy and the church Calixtus III 1455 - 1458 Jativa (Spain), Spread Christianity to Sweden Denmark and Norway Pius II 1458 - 1464 Siena, Helped countries oppressed by Turks Paul II 1464 - 1471 Venice, Drastic measures to stop false confessions and forged Papal Bulls Sixtus IV 1471 - 1484 Savona, Vatican Libraries and began decoration of Sistine Chapel Innocent VIII 1484 - 1492 Genoa, Struck down the slave trade Alexander VI 1492 - 1503 Jativa (Spain). Corruptly elected. Considered the worst of the Popes Pius III 1503 Siena. Thought he had returned normality but died Julius II 1503 - 1513 Savona, Erected St Peter's Basilica, employed Raphael and Michelangelo Leo X 1513 - 1521 Florence, Made a Cardinal when 13. Schism of Martin Luther Adrian VI 1522 - 1523 Utrecht (Holland), Elected without his knowledge. achieved little Clement VII 1523 - 1534 Florence, failed and imprisoned for two years Pail III 1534 - 1549 Rome, Patron of Arts appointed Michelangelo architect of St Peter's for life Jules III 1550 - 1555 Rome, Council of Trent to fight theories of Luther. Mary Tudor ascended throne of England. Marcellus II 1555 Tuscany, Died too soon Paul IV 1555 - 1559 Naples, Fought against his own nephews and the Hapsburgs Pius IV 1560 - 1565 Milan, re-opened Council of rent St Pius V 1566 - 1572 Bosco, Excommunicated Elizabeth of England. Great victory over Saracens Gregory XIII 1572 - 1585 Bologna, Reformed calendar known now as the Gregorian Sixtus V 1585 - 1590 Grottannare, Inflexible and finished St.Peter's Dome Urban VII 1590 Rome, 12 days died mysteriously Gregory XIV 1590 - 1591 Cremona, Mediocre and refused to recognise Henry IV as King of France as he was the head of the Huguenots Innocent IX 1591 Bologna, Stopped outbreak of Plague Clement VIII 1592 - 1605 Florence, Completed Vatican Palaces. Spread the faith to America, China and Africa Leo XI 1605 Florence, short reign Paul V 1605 - 1621 Rome, Encouraged Astronomy Gregory XV 1621 - 1623 Bologna, Instituted the Congregation for the propagation of the Faith Urban VIII 1623 - 1644 Florence, Created the Baldachino Innocent X 1644 - 1655 Rome, Asked Czar Alexander I to emancipate slaves Alexander VII 1655 - 1667 Siena, Tried to stop spread of Protestantism Clement IX 1667 - 1669 Pistoia, Intermediary between France, Spain and England. Successful author of Drama and Melodrama Clement X 1670 - 1676 Rome, Helped election of King of Poland B Innocent XI 1676 - 1689 Como, Powerful politician Alexander VIII 1689 - 1691 Venice, Nepotism rose again Innocent XII 1691 - 1700 Naples, violently opposed any favouritism Clement XI 1700 - 1721 Urbino, Refused nomination for seven days Innocent XIII 1721 - 1724 Rome, Nepotism returned again Benedict XIII 1724 - 1730 Rome, Interfered in Inquisition and built Spanish Steps Clement XII 1730 - 1740 Florence, founded an institute for young Chinese in Naples Benedict XIV 1740 - 1758 Bologna, Cultured, forbad pagan rites and secret societies Clement XIII 1758 - 1769 Venice, Contrasts and unpopular Clement XIV 1769 - 1774 St,Arcangelo (Rimini), Financial reformer, poisoned Pius VI 1775 - 1799 Cesena, Revolution in France, Due to excesses he was deposed, imprisoned. Died in exile Pius VII 1800 - 1823 Cesena, Crowned and then excommunicated Napoleon Leo XII 1823 - 1829 Spoleto, Congress of Vienna Pius VIII 1829 - 1830 Cingoli, Condemned secret societies working for freedom of Italy Gregory XVI 1831 - 1846 Belluno, Help from Russia Austria and Prussia to quell rioting Pontifical States Pius IX 1846 - 1878 Senigallia, Three wars of Italian independence. Infallibility of Pope defined Leo XIII 1878 - 1903 Carpineto, Encyclical 'Rerum Novarum' was a milestone in the History of the Church St Pius X 1903 - 1914 Riese, Piety, abolished right of Veto of the Nations on the election of the Pope Benedict XV 1914 - 1922 Genoa, Increased diplomatic representation to the Holy See Pius XI 1922 - 1939 Lateran Pact with Mussolini 1929 to resole differences with Italian State Pius XII 1939 - 1958 Rome, Dogma of the Assumption. Shortest conclave in history Giovanni XXIII 1958 - 1963 Bergamo, Vatican Council II Paul VI 1963 - 1978 I have seen him on two occasions in the Holy Year of 1975 and he had a letter sent to me John Paul I 1978 Belluno, elected in one day and died 33 days later John Paul II 1978 - Born Wodiwice, Cracow. First Polish Pope and first non-Italian in 455 years. |