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Popes

What is the papacy? How many popes of the Roman Catholic Church have there been, and who are they? Find biographies of the popes of the Roman Catholic Church and other resources on the papacy here.
Pope Benedict XVI
The 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI was elected on April 19, 2005. Find out more about the life and pontificate of Joseph Ratzinger, the man who became Pope Benedict XVI.
Popes of the Roman Catholic Church
There have been 265 popes of the Roman Catholic Church, starting with the Apostle Peter, the first pope of Rome, and leading up to Benedict XVI, the current pope. Find links to a comprehensive list here, divided up by historical era.
Popes of the Age of Persecution
From St. Peter (32-67) to St. Miltiades (311-14), find the popes of the Age of Persecution here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Empire
From St. Sylvester I (314-35) to Pelagius II (579-90), find the popes of the Age of Empire here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Early Middle Ages
From St. Gregory the Great (590-604) to Alexander II (1061-73), find the popes of the Early Middle Ages here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Crusades and Councils
From St. Gregory VII (1073-85) to St. Celestine V (1294), find the popes of the Age of Crusades and Councils here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism
From Boniface VIII (1294-1303) to Gregory XII (1406-15), find the popes of the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Renaissance and Reformation
From Martin V (1417-31) to Pius IV (1559-65), find the popes of the Renaissance and Reformation here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Revolution
From St. Pius V (1566-72) to Pius VII (1800-23), find the popes of the Age of Revolution here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Modern Age
From Leo XII (1823-29) to the current pope, Benedict XVI (2005—), find the popes of the Modern Age here, with the dates of their reigns.
The Coat of Arms for Pope Benedict XVI - Good News Ministries
In-depth explanation of the symbolism of the various elements of the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI.

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