pope: Quick Facts

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Nov. 12, 2026

News •

After his emotional return, Pope denounces 'machismo' in Peru and demands women be protected • Nov. 12, 2026, 6:51 PM ET (AP)

Pope meets with survivors of clergy abuse in Argentina as it reckons with legacy and ongoing cases • Nov. 9, 2026, 5:26 PM ET (AP)

Photos and Videos

Infographic featuring a central illustration of a pope, surrounded by labeled facts such as the total number of popes, most common papal names, oldest and youngest elected, longest and shortest reigns, number of popes made saints, official titles, and origins by country.

A pyramid diagram illustrating the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, with levels from top to bottom: Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Laypeople and Consecrated Religious, each with a brief description of their roles.

The pope as the supreme authority in Roman Catholic societal hierarchy

How Pope Francis guided the Roman Catholic Church?

How Is a Pope Elected?

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Topics

Who Were the Most Influential Popes?Why the Name a Pope Chooses Matters Why wasn’t there an American pope before Leo?Today in History—December 13: The Pope Who Quit to Live in a Cave How Is the Pope Elected?popes and antipopes Pope Francis: A Life in Pictures What Do Cardinals and Popes Wear?Urbi et Orbi What is the Urbi et Orbi blessing?How Holy (and Roman) Was the Holy Roman Empire?papal infallibility antipope

Saint Gregory I or Gregory the Great (c. 540-604), pope from 590 to 604. Undated copperplate engraving by Adrian Collaert (c.1520-67).

Popes and Antipopes

Holy week. Easter. Valladolid. Procession of Nazarenos carry a cross during the Semana Santa (Holy week before Easter) in Valladolid, Spain. Good Friday

Christianity Quiz

Anastasius II (died 498) pope from 496 after a 16th century illustration

Pope Quiz