The papacy, or the office of the Pope, is one of the oldest institutions that are still in practice today. It is almost two thousand years old and has been marked by gigantic religious, political, and social upheaval. Knowing how many Popes there have been and who was the longest-serving Pope tells us a great amount about this powerful institution.
How many popes have there been?
To date in February 2025, there have been officially recognized 266 Popes by the Vatican, including Pope Francis as Pope #266. There have been a few mentions of a 267 figure for the number of Popes due to confusion over whether Pope Stephen II, who was elected and later died a little while after without consecration in 752 AD, should count. Other such figures among the Popes listed are St. Peter, generally accepted by tradition as the first Pope, and more contemporary-day leaders like Pope Francis.
The papacy has experienced many challenges and developments throughout history, such as periods of schism and the presence of antipopes—men who presented themselves as Pope in competition with the real Pope. Through it all, however, stability in leadership has been the characteristic of the Catholic Church.
The longest-serving supreme pontiff
Among all the Popes in history, Pope Pius IX holds the record for the longest confirmed reign. He ruled for 31 years, 7 months, and 23 days (11,560 days), from 1846 to 1878. His papacy was filled with major events, including the First Vatican Council and his proclamation of papal infallibility in 1870. Pius IX’s papacy was also filled with much political intrigue in Italy that included losing the Papal States and proclaiming himself a “prisoner” in Vatican City.
Though Pius IX is best known as a figure for his long reign, others also cite St. Peter, who reigned 34 to 37 years, though this is not as well-documented as in subsequent Popes. His role as a founder in building the Church makes him an outstanding figure in papal history as detailed also in this article, How old is Pope Francis, how many years has he been in office and which Pope has been in the Vatican the longest?
After a period under Pius IX, the subsequent long-reigning Popes are:
- Saint John Paul II (1978–2005): 26 years, 5 months, and 17 days (9,665 days).
- Leo XIII (1878–1903): 25 years, 5 months, and 1 day (9,281 days).
- Pius VI (1775–1799): 24 years, 6 months, and 15 days (8,962 days).
- Adrian I (772–795): 23 years, 10 months, and 25 days (8,729 days).
These Popes not only shaped the religious direction of the Catholic Church but also impacted world politics and social causes in their respective times.
The role of the pope in contemporary times
Today, the papacy has undergone an enormous transformation. The modern-day Papacy addresses all conceivable challenges of today’s world, from poverty and global warming to interfaith discourse, and human rights. Modern-day Pope Francis has emphasized topics of mercy and welcomingness in encouraging environmental protection through his encyclical Laudato Si’.
The papacy remains a central aspect of Christianity and continues to develop to respond to the demands of today while still maintaining the traditions of the past.
The papacy is not only an account of the successive heads but also a representation of evolving social values and religious beliefs throughout centuries. With 266 Popes having reigned since St. Peter’s times and Pope Pius IX enjoying the longest term of nearly 32 years, this institution still remains an integral part of religious life as well as international politics. Looking to the future of this ancient office, we can be certain that its impact will continue to mold faith and culture around the world.
Read more: What is Pope Francis’ real name and where is the leader of the Catholic Church from?
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