Following the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing at age 88 on Monday, April, attention has turned once again to the long and significant legacy of the papacy—a spiritual office that has existed for almost two thousand years.
From the time of St. Peter, traditionally acknowledged as the first Bishop of Rome, the papal office has remained a central pillar of the Catholic Church. Over the centuries, popes have not only served as religious guides but have also been involved in shaping world events, doctrinal reforms, and complex political dynamics.
The list of Catholic popes—from ancient times to the modern era—is more than just a catalog of names. It represents the Church’s resilience, adaptability, and enduring influence on global faith and society.
Throughout history, popes have fulfilled dual roles as both spiritual shepherds and key players in political and societal shifts. Many of them led movements for reform, engaged in diplomacy, or dealt with competing claimants to the papacy, often referred to as antipopes.
Even in the face of internal challenges and global upheavals, the papacy has maintained a continuous line of leadership, guiding generations of Catholics across centuries.
“From St. Peter to the present, each pope has played a crucial role in the Church’s evolution.”
“Throughout history, 266 powerful popes have led the Catholic Church, shaping its doctrine and guiding its followers.”
Below is the beginning portion of the complete list of popes who have served from the early Christian era until the present:
- St. Peter (32–67)
- St. Linus (67–76)
- St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76–88)
- St. Clement I (88–97)
- St. Evaristus (97–105)
- St. Alexander I (105–115)
- St. Sixtus I (115–125) – Also called Xystus I
- St. Telesphorus (125–136)
- St. Hyginus (136–140)
- St. Pius I (140–155)
- St. Anicetus (155–166)
- St. Soter (166–175)
- St. Eleutherius (175–189)
- St. Victor I (189–199)
- St. Zephyrinus (199–217)
- St. Callistus I (217–222) – Opposed by St. Hippolytus, antipope (217–236)
- St. Urban I (222–230)
- St. Pontian (230–235)
- St. Anterus (235–236)
- St. Fabian (236–250)
- St. Cornelius (251–253) – Opposed by Novatian, antipope (251)
- St. Lucius I (253–254)
- St. Stephen I (254–257)
- St. Sixtus II (257–258)
- St. Dionysius (260–268)
- St. Felix I (269–274)
- St. Eutychian (275–283)
- St. Caius (Gaius) (283–296)
- St. Marcellinus (296–304)
- St. Marcellus I (308–309)
- St. Eusebius (309 or 310)
- St. Miltiades (311–314)
- St. Sylvester I (314–335)
- St. Marcus (336)
- St. Julius I (337–352)
- Liberius (352–366) – Opposed by Felix II, antipope (355–365)
- St. Damasus I (366–384) – Opposed by Ursicinus, antipope (366–367)
- St. Siricius (384–399)
- St. Anastasius I (399–401)
- St. Innocent I (401–417)
For the full chronological list of popes, including those of recent times, visit New Advent’s Catholic Encyclopedia.
