Popes Through the (Middle) Ages
John Paul II was an extraordinary individual and an extraordinary pope. No medieval pope held the office as long or achieved quite so much. But then, medieval popes didn't have such modern advances as jet planes, telecommunications, world-wide radio and television coverage, the Internet, and that cool pope-mobile that allowed him to reach so many people all over the world. And few medieval men, let alone popes, lived to see age 84.
In fact, John Paul II had the third-longest pontificate in history (more than 26 years), behind St. Peter, who was believed to have led the Church for 34 years before his martyrdom in 67 C.E., and Pius IX, who held the office for 31 years in the 19th century. The longest-reigning medieval pope was Adrian I, who served for 23 years and 10 months (772-95).
The vast majority of medieval popes kept the papal chair for less than a decade, many of them for only a few years, months, or even weeks. The shortest pontificate is that of Stephen II (752), who died four days after his election, before he could be consecrated. Since it is the consecration that is considered the official beginning of a pontificate, Stephen was not always included in the papal chronology, resulting in some confusion in the numbering of popes named Stephen.
John Paul II was the first Polish pope ever, and the first non-Italian pope since Adrian VI (1522-23). Although Italians have dominated the papacy for centuries, more than a few medieval popes were not Italian, beginning with Gelasius I (492-96). Among the early medieval popes were Greeks, Syrians, and a few of Germanic descent. A series of French popes took office in the 14th century, when the papacy was moved from Rome to Avignon. And let's not forget the only English pope, Adrian IV (1154-59).
There has been some reference to John Paul II as "Great." Only three popes in history have earned the appellation: Leo I (440-61), who negotiated with Attila the Hun; Gregory I (590-604), who was the foremost influence in shaping the early medieval papacy; and Nicholas I (858-67), who helped solidify the papacy as the central power of the Catholic Church. John Paul II certainly had a significant impact, not only on the Church but on the entire world. Still, only time and history will tell if his achievements warrant the title, "the Great."
For more on popes and the medieval papacy, visit our Papacy index.
Comments
I learned malot about popes. thankz
very good, but i’d like just a few specifics on what John Paul II did exactly..
I would like to know what the daily life of popes was during the middle ages?
i would like to know how to become a pope
Jack man, we don’t have enough space to explain it to you. Just start with going to confession.
Now, I’ve always wondered why anyone would call John Paul II “great” rather than “a very kind and good man.” There is nothing on his resume that indicates any act(s) of greatness.
Is that serious? He never did anything great? His Theology of the Body alone might eventually make him a Doctor of the Church. I’m sure he will come to be known as St. JP the Great.
Great article thanks!
As Pius IX was Pope from 1846 to 1878 the reference to him in this article should read 19th century not 18th century.
jacked man These days you need to be a priest and cardinal first!
Mary — thanks for catching that error! I’ve corrected it.
Actually, I believe one only need be of 18 yrs and a Catholic male to become pope, the Bishop of Rome. Not all popes have been priests even. I believe Gregory VII was a monk only.