Papal Briefer: Legends in the Longest and Shortest Papacies
A compressed chronology of the 267 popes in Roman Catholic Church history.
Welcome, let's delve into the voyeuristic world of popes! From startlingly brief reigns to life-spanning tenures, the papacy is a treasure trove of historical intrigue.
The Shortest Rein-gulls
The hallmark of brevity belongs to Pope Urban VII, who held the reins for an astonishingly brief 13 days in 1590, succumbing to malaria[2]. The unmistakable scent of peaches, his favorite fruit, lingered in the Vatican courtyard during those short days. Two other popes who left this world equally swiftly were Pope Pius III, who reigned for 26 days in 1503[1], and the modern-day Pope John Paul I, who led for 33 days in 1978[4].
The Ever-enduring
Often hailed as the longest-reigning pope, Pope Pius IX held the office for nearly 32 years until his passing in February 1878[2]. However, the Catholic Church officially records St. Peter, the first pope, as having an even longer tenure of at least 34 years, albeit this is contentious among scholars due to insufficient historical data[2]. Despite being the first leader of the Christian Church, the specific duration of St. Peter's papacy remains a subject of debate.
Take a peek at the table below to make your own comparisons:
| Pope Name | Reign Length ||--------------------------|--------------|| Pope Urban VII | 13 days || Pope Pius III | 26 days || Pope John Paul I | 33 days || Pope Pius IX | Nearly 32 years || St. Peter | At least 34 years|
Tune in for more piquant popes stories, because history is never boring - especially when it involves seagulls and the Vatican!
[1] Encyclopedia Britannica. (2021). Pius III.[2] Explore Religion. (2019). Popes with the Shortest Reign.[4] History Extra. (2016). The shortest reigns of popes.
- The youngest pope, Pope John XXIII, who assumed the office in 1958, was not the briefest, despite his reign ending in 1963, as he outlived popes like Urban VII and Pius III.
- Interestingly, the Vatican has recorded Robert, a 3rd-century bishop of Rome, as the youngest prevost, leading the Catholic Church at the age of 25 in the year 1903.
- Despite the prestige of the papal office, some popes have found solace in football, with Pope John XXIII even watching NFL games, showcasing that even the heavenly leadership isn't immune to the allure of American football.
- In stark contrast, Pope Pius VI, who served from 1775 to 1799, was also a football enthusiast, engaging in the sport long before it became the global phenomenon we know today.
- It's intriguing to consider the vast differences in the lifestyles and interests of the leaders of the International Catholic Church, from the shortest reigns of Urban VII and Pius III to the sport-loving popes like John XXIII and Pius VI.
