Were there any female popes?

Pope Joan, legendary female pontiff who supposedly reigned, under the title of John VIII, for slightly more than 25 months, from 855 to 858, between the pontificates of St. Leo IV (847–855) and Benedict III (855–858).

Who were the female popes?

Yes, Joan, not John. According to legend Pope Joan served as pope during the middle ages. She is said to have served for several years across approximately 855-857. Her story was first shared in the 13th century and quickly spread throughout Europe.

Did popes have mistresses?

Relationships with Vanozza dei Catanei and Giulia Farnese. Had a long affair with Vannozza dei Cattanei while still a priest, and before he became pope; and by her had his illegitimate children Cesare Borgia, Giovanni Borgia, Gioffre Borgia, and Lucrezia.

Was Pope Joan a real pope?

The 14th century writer Giovanni Boccaccio mentioned her in a book about famous women, and her image graced paintings, sculptures and tarot cards. She was even briefly included in a collection of papal busts in Italy's Siena Cathedral. Despite her medieval celebrity, most historians now dismiss Pope Joan as a myth.

Can a woman be a pope in the Catholic Church?

Pope Francis said "that door is closed" regarding women's priestly ordination, affirming the teachings of his predecessors, including St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

Was There Really a Female Pope?

Can the Pope drink alcohol?

Based on past evidence, it seems that Pope Francis may indeed like the odd tipple of whisky now and then (which he is allowed to drink), as it's not the first time he's received bottles, or even used the 'holy water' line.

Can the Pope have kids?

There are plenty of Popes in history who, despite their vow of celibacy, have broken this rule. These include popes who were married, had long-term partners, lovers, and even a few that had children. Some Popes in history have even been known to be the son of previous Popes, who had been moulded into taking over.

Which pope had a child with his daughter?

And the old man licking his lips at the antics of the call-girls was none other than the Pope himself, Alexander VI, formerly known as Rodrigo Borgia. It is said that his daughter Lucrezia and his son Cesare were also there, enjoying the spectacle.

Who were the three black popes?

These were Pope Victor I (reigned c . 189 to 199), Pope Miltiades (reigned 311 to 314) and Pope Gelasius I (492 to 496); all three were North African men.

Do you have to be a virgin to be a priest?

So no, virginity is apparently not a requirement, but a vow of celibacy is.

Which pope was lazy?

Pope John XII (955 to 964)

Attaining the title of pope at age 18, John XII was quickly deemed lazy and childish. Harsher accusations followed from his critics, who included priests and religious authorities.

Has any pope been married?

There have been at least four Popes who were legally married before taking Holy Orders: St Hormisdas (514–523), Adrian II (867–872), John XVII (1003) and Clement IV (1265–68) – though Hormisdas was already a widower by the time of his election.

Can the Pope smoke?

Pope Francis, who had a lung removed as a teenager, does not smoke.

Who was the youngest pope ever?

Pope Benedict IX (Latin: Benedictus IX; c. 1012 – c. 1056), born Theophylactus of Tusculum in Rome, was Bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States on three occasions between October 1032 and July 1048. Aged approximately 20 at his first election, he is one of the youngest popes in history.

Has any pope been assassinated?

John VIII was the first pope to be assassinated during a particularly turbulent century that would see multiple claimants to the papacy and a succession of violent papal deaths.

When did Catholic priests stop marrying?

The Norman ban on clerical marriage was reinforced in 1139, when the Second Lateran Council declared priestly marriage invalid throughout the entire Catholic Church. Of course, there were people, then as now, who broke the rule of celibacy -- some of them quite spectacularly. But the rule itself was clear.

Does the Pope receive a salary?

The pope will not be affected by the cuts, because he does not receive a salary. “As an absolute monarch, he has everything at his disposal and nothing at his disposal,” Mr. Muolo said. “He doesn't need an income, because he has everything that he needs.”

Does the Pope wear Prada shoes?

ROME (Reuters) - After years of speculation that Pope Benedict wears shoes by Prada, the Vatican's official newspaper denied such talk as “frivolous”.

How much is the pope's ring worth?

How much is the pope's ring worth? Pope's ring is worth over $800,000 dollars.

Why do the popes wear red shoes?

The indoor Papal Slippers were made of red velvet or silk and were heavily decorated in gold braid, with a gold cross in the middle. Throughout Church history, the color red has been deliberately chosen to represent the blood of Catholic martyrs spilt through the centuries following in the footsteps of Christ.

Can the Pope have a pet?

Pope Francis is not known to have kept pets in his apartment at a Vatican guesthouse. His predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, on the other hand, was such an avowed cat person that there is even a children's book — “Joseph and Chico: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told by a Cat” — told from a feline perspective.

How old do you have to be to be pope?

He Could Be a Teenager

There's no official age requirement for the post. The youngest pope to be elected in Vatican history is Pope John XII, who is believed to have been 18-years-old when he ascended to the papacy in 955. More recently, Pope Clement X, pictured, is the oldest.

Can a married man become a priest?

His conclusion is a continuation of the nearly 1,000-year-old practice of priestly celibacy. Currently, the Vatican allows married men to become priests in Eastern rite churches. Eager to include converts, it has also allowed married Anglicans to remain priests when they join the Roman Catholic Church.