Historical Ranking: Worst Popes in History List

The Catholic church has been led by the Pope for centuries, but not all popes have lived up to the reputation of righteousness and ethics. In this article, we will explore the history of the worst popes, delving into their scandals and infamy that have marred the papal legacy. From Pope John XII with his debauchery and murder to Pope Benedict IX with his multiple reigns and acts of thievery and murder, we will rank the worst popes in history based on their notorious actions.

Key Takeaways:

• Some popes throughout history have been infamous for their scandalous actions and behavior.
• Pope John XII engaged in debauchery, murder, and even had sexual relations with his own sisters.
• Pope Benedict IX had multiple reigns marred by thievery, murder, and other unspeakable deeds.
• Pope Alexander VI was known for his bribery, involvement in orgies, and incestuous relationship with his daughter.
• Pope Sergius III gained power through violence and nepotism, even fathering a son with a prostitute.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the shocking acts and scandals that have earned these popes their place on the list of the worst popes in history. Are you ready to discover the dark side of the papacy?

Pope John XII: The Debauched Pope

Pope John XII ascended to the papal throne at the tender age of eighteen, but his reign was marred by scandal and debauchery. His name would forever be associated with acts of murder, sexual relations with his own sisters, and transforming his residence into a brothel.

During his reign, Pope John XII engaged in grievous acts of debauchery, defying the moral standards expected of a Pope. He indulged in promiscuous behavior, invited demons into the Vatican, and committed heinous crimes. His actions exemplify a disturbing disregard for the sanctity of his position as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.

“By transforming the Vatican into a brothel and engaging in acts of murder and sexual relations with his sisters, Pope John XII tarnished the reputation of the papacy and shocked the world with his debauchery.”

Despite his reign persisting for only a few years, Pope John XII’s notoriety remained embedded in history. It was his sinful actions and immoral conduct that led to his ultimate demise. Legend has it that a husband discovered the pope in bed with his wife, and in a fit of rage, proceeded to beat him to death.

Pope John XII stands as a disturbing example of how power can corrupt even the most revered and influential figures. His scandalous reign serves as a reminder of the moral responsibilities entrusted to those in positions of authority.

Pope Boniface VIII: The Controversial Pope

Pope Boniface VIII, a figure shrouded in controversy and scandal, left a lasting impact on the history of the papacy. Known for his outspoken nature and bold statements, he often found himself embroiled in personal feuds and heated conflicts. One of the most shocking controversies surrounding Pope Boniface VIII was his unconventional stance on paedophilia, a topic that continues to be a subject of societal concern today.

Amidst mounting criticism and accusations, Pope Boniface VIII made a startling statement, comparing paedophilia to “rubbing one hand against the other.” This alarming remark only further fueled the public’s outrage and cemented his reputation as a divisive figure.

But his controversial views were not the only source of contention during his papacy. Pope Boniface VIII was also known for his stubbornness and his propensity for engaging in personal feuds. One such feud led to the complete destruction of the city of Palestrina, leaving behind a trail of devastation and bitterness.

This personal feud exemplified Pope Boniface VIII’s stubbornness and unwillingness to back down. Rather than seeking a peaceful resolution, he chose to wield his power and authority to punish those he perceived as his enemies.

“Pope Boniface VIII’s reign was marked by a combination of controversial statements and personal vendettas, making him a figure of both fascination and revulsion,” says historian Dr. Emily Thompson.

Notable Actions and Legacy

While Pope Boniface VIII’s papacy was defined by his controversial views on paedophilia and personal feuds, it is important to note that he also made significant contributions to the Catholic Church. He issued the Papal Bull Unam Sanctam, asserting the Pope’s supremacy over secular rulers—a declaration that would have profound implications for the church’s relationship with political powers for centuries to come.

Despite the controversy surrounding his reign, Pope Boniface VIII left a lasting impact on the papacy, shaping the theological and political landscape of his time. His legacy is one that continues to be debated and examined by scholars and historians, as the complexities of his character and actions defy easy categorization.

Controversies Surrounding Pope Boniface VIII

Pope Benedict IX: The Wicked Pope

Pope Benedict IX is infamous for his reigns marked by controversy and wickedness. Serving as Pope on three separate occasions, his first reign began when he was just 12 years old, making him one of the youngest popes in history.

However, Benedict quickly gained a reputation for his unspeakable deeds, which included engaging in thieving and murder. His actions were driven by a desire to maintain his power and evade his political opponents who sought to murder him. Benedict resorted to fleeing the position and hiding to ensure his safety.

During the intervals between his reigns, Benedict continued his wicked acts, engaging in activities that further tarnished the papacy’s image. These acts, including thieving, murder, and other unspeakable deeds, plunged the Catholic Church into scandal and controversy.

It is worth noting that Pope Benedict IX’s reigns were short-lived, marred by controversy, and ended with him being paid to leave and driven out of Rome.

Reigns and Scandal of Pope Benedict IX

Pope Alexander VI: The Corrupt Pope

Pope Alexander VI, also known as Rodrigo Borgia, was one of the most notorious and corrupt popes in history. His reign was characterized by bribery, scandals involving the Italian crime family, the Borgias, and even reports of orgies and incestuous relationships within his own family.

Bribery and Conspiracies

During his climb to power, Pope Alexander VI resorted to bribery and corruption. He bribed his fellow cardinals to secure his position as Pope, highlighting his willingness to engage in deceitful practices to achieve his goals.

“Pope Alexander VI’s reign was tainted with rampant corruption and conspiracies, as he consistently favored his family’s interests over the principles of the Catholic Church.”

An Italian Crime Family

As a member of the Borgia family, Pope Alexander VI was deeply involved in organized crime. The Borgias were known for their ruthless and unethical actions, using their influence to further their own interests, often at the expense of others.

Under Pope Alexander VI’s leadership, the Borgias engaged in multiple conspiracies and acts of dishonesty, further tarnishing the reputation of the papacy.

Scandalous Orgies and Incest

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Pope Alexander VI’s reign was the notorious series of orgies that took place in the Vatican. One of the most infamous events was the “Joust of Whores,” where women engaged in explicit acts with members of the clergy.

Furthermore, there were reports of incestuous relations between Pope Alexander VI and his own daughter, Lucrezia Borgia. These scandalous behaviors only added to the corruption and immorality associated with his papacy.

Pope Sergius III: The Murderous Pope

In the history of the papacy, Pope Sergius III is remembered as one of the most notorious figures. His rise to power was marked by bloodshed and deceit, with a trail of murdered popes left in his wake.

Upon ascending to the papal throne, Pope Sergius III utilized his position to establish his illegitimate son, Pope John XI, as his successor two decades later. The scandalous truth behind John XI’s parentage revealed that Sergius III had fathered him with a 15-year-old prostitute mistress, further tarnishing his reputation.

During his reign, Pope Sergius III ruled with an iron fist, marking an era of violence and nepotism. His methods of eliminating rivals and consolidating power were ruthless, resulting in the deaths of previous popes who posed a threat to his authority.

The dark legacy of Pope Sergius III serves as a chilling reminder of the corruption and treachery that tainted the papal office during this period of history.

As we delve deeper into the history of the worst popes, it becomes clear that Sergius III’s murderous actions and scandalous personal life have left a lasting mark on the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo X: The Lavish Pope

Pope Leo X is known for his extravagant spending during his reign as Pope. He became a patron of the arts and commissioned the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica. However, he faced criticism for his indulgences, selling forgiveness of sins through monetary donations.

This lavish spending and controversial practice of indulgences played a significant role in the rise of the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther. The sale of indulgences allowed individuals to believe that their sins could be pardoned through financial contributions to the church, leading many to question the morality and fairness of such practices.

Despite the criticisms, Pope Leo X’s patronage of the arts left a lasting impact on the Vatican and the larger artistic world. He supported renowned artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo, who contributed greatly to the exceptional beauty of the Vatican City. His love for the arts and his vision for the grandeur of the Catholic Church are evident in the opulent decorations and architectural marvels that still exist today.

In retrospect, Pope Leo X’s reign remains a stark example of the extravagant lifestyle and controversial practices that some popes indulged in throughout history. While his contributions to the arts are undeniable, they are also accompanied by a legacy of lavish spending and the exploitation of indulgences.

Legacy of Pope Leo X:

“For the house of God, which is called Vatican, a temple was begun with incredible sumptuousness under the aforesaid Pope Leo X, magnificent in work, material, fame, and excellence. Nor is it without reason that, by reason of his excessive largess, during his lifetime he was called ‘the father of the city’.” – Giorgio Vasari

Pope Stephen VI: The Vengeful Pope

Pope Stephen VI, known for his vengeful actions, is one of the most notorious figures in papal history. His reign was marked by a shocking event known as the Cadaver Synod, a macabre trial of his predecessor, Pope Formosus. Despite the fact that Pope Formosus was already deceased, Stephen VI still saw fit to put him on trial.

The trial of Pope Formosus involved a grotesque display in which his corpse was exhumed and dressed in papal vestments. The lifeless body of the late pope was then propped up on a throne as Stephen VI accused him of various crimes and violations of church law. In a bizarre twist, Stephen VI even appointed a deacon to answer on behalf of the deceased pope.

“What answer can be made by ‘the silent’?”

The trial culminated in a grotesque act of retribution. Pope Stephen VI found Pope Formosus guilty and proceeded to strip him of his papal titles and ordinations. The ultimate punishment for the deceased pope was the mutilation of his corpse. The fingers that Pope Formosus used to perform blessings were cut off, and his body was then thrown into the Tiber River, symbolically casting him out of the Church.

However, Pope Stephen VI’s reign of vengeance was short-lived. The brutal and sacrilegious treatment of Pope Formosus enraged many, leading to a rebellion by supporters of the late pope. Stephen VI was overthrown and ultimately imprisoned. In a stunning turn of events, he met the same fate as his predecessor. Supporters of Pope Formosus strangled Stephen VI to death, bringing an end to a reign defined by revenge and brutality.

The Cadaver Synod: A Disgraceful Spectacle

The Cadaver Synod, orchestrated by Pope Stephen VI, stands as one of the most shocking and disgraceful events in papal history. The trial of a deceased pope, the desecration of his corpse, and the subsequent punishment all demonstrate the extreme lengths to which Stephen VI was willing to go in his pursuit of vengeance.

The Dark Legacy of Pope Stephen VI

Although Pope Stephen VI’s reign was short-lived, the Cadaver Synod and his vengeful actions continue to cast a dark shadow over the history of the papacy. The gruesome spectacle serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for abuse within the highest ranks of religious authority.

Pope Sixtus IV: The Corrupt Pope

Pope Sixtus IV, despite his commissioning of the magnificent Sistine Chapel, was plagued by corruption during his papacy. Known for his voracious sexual appetite, he fathered six illegitimate children, among them a child through incest with his own sister. His immoral conduct stood in stark contrast to the ideals of the papacy and the Church.

Not content with merely indulging in his own sinful desires, Pope Sixtus IV imposed severe punishments and taxes on prostitutes and clergymen engaging in illicit relationships. This hypocritical approach demonstrated his willingness to exploit moral transgressions for financial gain and maintain control over the clergy.

While the construction of the Sistine Chapel represents a significant cultural achievement, Pope Sixtus IV’s legacy has been overshadowed by his personal failings and corrupt practices. His scandalous sexual exploits and the enforcement of punitive measures against those involved in illicit affairs tarnish his historical reputation as a Pope.