Table of Contents
What is the origin of the pope?
The word pope is derived ultimately from the Greek πάππας (páppas) originally an affectionate term meaning “father”, later referring to a bishop or patriarch. The earliest extant record of the word papa being used in reference to a Bishop of Rome dates to late 3rd century, when it was applied to Pope Marcellinus.
Who was the first pope and why?
Peter, traditionally considered the first pope. Among these, 82 have been proclaimed saints, as have some antipopes (rival claimants to the papal throne who were appointed or elected in opposition to the legitimate pope).
Who was the first pope and when?
Unlike any other Christian see, Rome can put at least a name to every bishop in an unbroken line back to the 1st century of the Christian era and to St Peter himself as the first pope. The papacy, though not recognized as such until later centuries, has impressive credentials.
Where did the pope live before the Vatican?
the Lateran Palace
Before they built the Vatican Palace, the main residence for Popes was at the Lateran Palace. It wasn’t until the fifth century when Pope Symmachus commissioned two new buildings close to the Old St. Peter’s Basilica that it changed.
Were any popes married?
A number of them had offspring. The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood in the Latin Church….Popes who were legally married.
| Name | Felix III |
|---|---|
| Reign(s) | (483–492) |
| Relationship | Widowed before he was elected as pope |
| Offspring | Yes |
Who is the greatest pope of all time?
Pope Innocent III
Pope Innocent III (Latin: Innocentius III; 1160 or 1161 – 16 July 1216, born Lotario dei Conti di Segni (anglicized as Lothar of Segni) was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 8 January 1198 to his death. Pope Innocent was one of the most powerful and influential of the medieval popes.
Who was the youngest pope ever?
Pope Benedict IX
Aged approximately 20 at his first election, he is one of the youngest popes in history….
| Pope Benedict IX | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1012 Rome, Papal States |
| Died | c. December 1055/January 1056 (age 43) Grottaferrata, Papal States |
| Other popes named Benedict |
Does the pope still have an army?
The Vatican City State has never had independent armed forces, but it has always had a de facto military provided by the armed forces of the Holy See: the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the Noble Guard, the Palatine Guard, and the Papal Gendarmerie Corps.
Does the Pope have his own plane?
Home airline Based out of the Vatican, the most convenient option for the Papal aircraft is a ride on Italian flag carrier Alitalia. When flying out of Italy, the Pope almost exclusively uses a chartered Alitalia aircraft, with the size depending on the distance being flown.
How many popes have been assassinated?
Though there is no official tally for how many popes have been assassinated, it has been estimated by African Journals Online that 25 popes have died of unnatural causes.
Which Pope was the most evil?
Pope Alexander VI
| Pope Alexander VI | |
|---|---|
| Died | 18 August 1503 (aged 72) Rome, Papal States |
| Buried | Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli, Rome |
| Nationality | Aragonese – Spanish |
| Denomination | Catholic (Roman Rite) |
Which Pope was the worst?
The Bad Popes
- Pope John XII (955–964), who gave land to a mistress, murdered several people, and was killed by a man who caught him in bed with his wife.
- Pope Benedict IX (1032–1044, 1045, 1047–1048), who “sold” the Papacy.
- Pope Boniface VIII (1294–1303), who is lampooned in Dante’s Divine Comedy.