The Popes in the Catholic Church
Behind the architectural marvels of the Vatican lies the Catholic Church and those who govern it: the Pope, assisted by the Curia. Since Saint Peter, the Church has had 266 popes. Some are particularly well-known, like or Benedict XVI, but all have played vital roles. Their common mission, inherited from , is to safeguard the faith, guide the faithful toward God, and remind them of their call to .
History of the Papacy
The Church’s history begins in Israel with Jesus and His apostles when Peter hears these words: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)
After Christ’s death, the apostles feared persecution. Many saints in the Holy Land were martyred or fled, like Saint Stephen, , and . Following , the apostles were sent on mission to proclaim the Gospel. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they spoke in multiple languages to reveal Jesus’ face to all.
Saint Peter traveled to Rome, where he was crucified on Vatican Hill. Since this first pontiff, the list of popes has grown to include , who served until his passing in 2025.
Successor of Saint Peter
In the first , the priest cites names like “Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus...”—immediate successors of Saint Peter. All popes, from the Church’s origins, have upheld the Gospel and promoted it zealously. The Church counts 266 popes, many of whom are canonized saints, including Saint Sylvester, Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Pius V, and more recently, Saint John XXIII.
Head of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church comprises the laity and clergy, including deacons, priests, bishops, cardinals, and the Pope. The Supreme Pontiff leads the Church as Bishop of Rome, making decisions for the global Church with the Curia’s assistance. Every baptized Catholic is called to heed the Pope’s teachings.
How Is a Pope Elected?
When a pope dies, governance of the Church falls to the Curia, which handles day-to-day affairs. A conclave is convened promptly to elect a new Successor of Peter. Cardinals worldwide gather in Rome for meetings and discussions over two weeks. They then enter the Sistine Chapel to vote: this is the conclave. Cardinals remain sequestered until one receives two-thirds of the votes. The elected cardinal chooses his papal name, prepares to appear on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, and a fellow cardinal announces the news: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope"). In Latin, he declares the new pope’s birth name and chosen name. The pontiff then emerges, addresses the crowd, and gives his first apostolic blessing.
The Pope’s Mission
Often advanced in age, the pope shoulders a weighty mission as head of the universal Church. Daily, he addresses global conflicts, advocates for peace, and upholds Christian faith. Catholics are bound to follow his teachings on faith under the dogma of papal infallibility, affirmed at the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). This dogma assures that the pope, assisted by the Holy Spirit, cannot err in matters of faith. As Vicar of Christ, the pope safeguards Church unity, echoing Scripture: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Through travels and encounters, the pope delivers timely messages for humanity, especially for Christians worldwide.
Popes from the 20th Century to Today
From 1905 to the present, ten popes have succeeded to the Chair of Peter: , Benedict XV, Pius XI, Pius XII, Saint John XXIII, Saint Paul VI, , Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
Popes Before and During the World Wars
Pius X
Elected in the early 1900s, Pius X sought to deepen lay engagement with the sacraments, especially . He revitalized to help the faithful understand Christianity. He died at the onset of World War I.Benedict XV
His successor, Benedict XV, led during wartime, advocating internationally for peace. He prioritized care for prisoners and the wounded, illustrating the challenges of promoting peace without political entanglement.Pius XI
Pius XI confronted rising Nazism in Germany and Mussolini’s regime in Italy. His papacy highlighted the Church’s role in defending human dignity against oppressive ideologies.Pius XII
Leading during World War II, Pius XII navigated the Church through immense suffering. Despite controversy, evidence shows he saved many Jews from the Holocaust. His cause for beatification is ongoing.
The Council Popes
John XXIII
Elected in 1958, John XXIII initiated Vatican II to renew the Church’s relevance. He called this aggiornamento (“updating”), inviting bishops and cardinals worldwide to collaborate on reforms.Paul VI
Paul VI continued Vatican II’s legacy, notably through his encyclical Humanae Vitae on human life and marital love. He reformed the liturgy, shaping modern Catholic worship.
The Post-Council Church
The year 1978 saw two conclaves.
John Paul I
His 33-day papacy, marked by humility and Gospel-centered teaching, brought hope after post-council tensions.John Paul II
Karol Wojtyła, taking the name John Paul II, led one of the longest papacies. He emphasized , championed the vulnerable, and embodied deep faith.Benedict XVI
Elected in 2005, Benedict XVI advanced theological and liturgical depth. His humility and scholarship left a lasting legacy.Francis
Pope Francis, who served from 2013 until his passing, emphasized spiritual simplicity, mercy, and care for creation, reinvigorating devotion to .
With Hozana, Pray for the Church and Discover Inspiring Faith Through Saints and Popes
The Church’s teachings are rich and profound. Explore them through Hozana’s communities, like or . Saints guide us in living our faith: join a novena to , recently beatified by Pope Francis, or seek guidance with .
