Did you know that the vast majority of Popes are from Italy?

Out of 266 supreme pontiffs, 217 are from Italy. The late Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the only pope from Argentina. 

With 2,000 years of history, there are plenty of papal names from which popes can choose. However, 23 popes have used John: First was John I, the 53rd pontiff, elected in 523. The most recent is John XXIII, the 261st pope, elected in October 1958.

Coming in second is Gregory, a name preferred by 16 popes. Benedict was also used by 15 popes, the most recent being Pope Francis’ predecessor, Benedict XVI. 

Benedict X doesn’t consider himself one since, according to his defense, he was enthroned unwillingly. He was replaced by Nicholas II, the 155th pope, who decided in 1059 to hold a papal election to determine the next pontiff. 

Forty-four out of the 266 papal names are used once. The others used multiple times were 14 Clements, 13 Innocents, 13 Leos, and 12 Pius’. The name Peter, the first pope, hasn’t been used as per tradition. 

Did you know these other papal facts?

•Peter, the apostle of Jesus, was the first pope. He was considered to be the longest-reigning, having ruled for 35 years. Coming after him was Pius IX, whose leadership lasted for 32 years.

•The shortest reign was Pope Urban VII, who died of malaria just 13 days after he assumed the papacy. 

•Benedict XVI was the longest-lived pope. He resigned from the papacy in February 2013 at age 85. He was 95 years old when he passed on 31 December 2022.

•Mercury, a pope elected in 533, was the first pontiff to change his name. He didn’t think it was a good idea to be called after a Roman god. Instead, he chose to be John II. 

•Three popes assumed the post under the age of 25. The last was Pope Gregory, who was elected in 996 when he was just 24.