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pope
Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Related Topics
Images, Videos & Interactives
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. Where do the cardinal electors come from? 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 Pope Francis: A Life in Pictures
How Pope Francis guided the Roman Catholic Church?
How Is a Pope Elected?
Quizzes
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
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
Related Questions

pope: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Added cross-reference to why there hasn't been an American pope. May 09, 2025
Updated with the selection of the first American pope, Leo XIV. May 08, 2025
Added a link to Leo XIV. May 08, 2025
Added Pope Leo XIV. May 08, 2025
Added a link to Leo XIV. May 08, 2025
Added links and the definition of papabile. May 06, 2025
Media added. May 06, 2025
Media added. May 02, 2025
Updated with Pope Francis I's date of death. Apr 21, 2025
Added questions and answers and information about the papal conclave and where the pope lives. Apr 21, 2025
Added a link and corrected a display issue. Apr 21, 2025
Add new Web site: Christianity.com - What is the Significance of the Pope in Catholicism? May 08, 2024
Added media. Mar 28, 2024
Media added. Jan 30, 2024
Links added. Aug 11, 2023
Media added. Apr 24, 2023
Noted that the pope serves as the head of the Holy See. Jan 23, 2023
Add new Web site: Catholic Online - History of Popes. Jan 04, 2023
Add new Web site: Biblical Cyclopedia - Pope. Oct 21, 2022
Corrected display issue. Mar 02, 2021
Add new Web site: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - How is a New Pope Chosen? Nov 14, 2018
Media added. Sep 17, 2018
Added cross-references throughout. Sep 17, 2018
Added new Web site: Spartacus Educational - Pope. May 20, 2008
Added new Web site: Roman Catholicism - Pope. May 20, 2008
Article revised and updated. Apr 22, 2008
Added new Web site: The Catholic Encyclopedia - The Pope. Mar 10, 2008
Added new Web site: The Catholic Encyclopedia - Election of the Popes. Feb 20, 2008
Article revised. May 12, 2005
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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