The Catholic Church has had over 260 popes in its 2,000-365 days historical past. Many acquire been hailed as non secular reformers, saints, and peacemakers.
However no longer all wore the white robes with honour. Some popes modified into infamous for scandals, violence, and behavior that disturbed even their have time.
Here’s a listing of seven popes broadly belief of because the worst in historical past — and why their legacies gentle raise eyebrows this present day.
1. Pope John XII (955–964): The Teenage Tyrant
At perfect 18 years extinct, John XII modified into pope — and rapid modified into the Vatican into his private playground.
He modified into accused of hosting wild orgies, gambling in church, and even toasting pagan gods during dice video games.
His finish? Some recount he died of a stroke while in bed with but some other man’s companion.
2. Pope Benedict IX (1032–1048): The One Who Sold the Papacy
Considered one of many excellent americans in historical past to be pope three separate instances, Benedict IX’s papacy modified into marked by scandal and disgrace.
He allegedly dedicated rape and homicide — after which offered the papacy to his godfather so he may presumably per chance procure married.
Certain, he actually offered the title of pope.
3. Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503): The Borgia Pope
From the extremely effective and wrong Borgia household, Alexander VI overtly fathered a lot of children, practiced blatant nepotism, and modified into rumoured to acquire poisoned his enemies.
His daughter Lucrezia Borgia and his political scheming made his court indubitably feel extra love a mafia household than a non secular institution.
4. Pope Leo X (1513–1521): The Pope Who Prompted the Reformation
Known for his treasure of luxurious, Leo X famously said, “God has given us the papacy, permit us to ride it.” To pay for his lavish daily life and the building of St. Peter’s Basilica, he offered indulgences — payments for forgiveness.
This act straight inspired Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and kicked off the Protestant Reformation.
5. Pope Stephen VI (896–897): The One Who Build a Dreary Pope on Trial
In one of the most bizarre episodes in church history, Stephen VI had the corpse of his predecessor Pope Formosus dug up, dressed in papal robes, and put on trial.
This “Cadaver Synod” ended with the body being thrown into the Tiber River. Unsurprisingly, public outrage followed — and Stephen was later killed in prison.
6. Pope Metropolis VI (1378–1389): The Violent Reformer
Initially seen as a strict reformer, Urban VI became increasingly paranoid. He was known to physically assault cardinals and had several of them tortured and executed when they challenged his authority.
His erratic rule helped spark the Western Schism — a decades-long crisis with more than one pope claiming power.
7. Pope Sergius III (904–911): The Begin of the Papal “Pornocracy”
Sergius III came to vitality after having his rival pope murdered. He then had a baby along with his teenage mistress, Marozia, who later controlled Rome and the Vatican thru a series of puppet popes.
His reign started what historians name the Saeculum Obscurum — a “darkish age” when popes had been controlled by extremely effective Roman families.
