History UsefulNotes / NotablePopes

* '''Clement XI''': (1700-1721) Real name Giovanni Francesco Albani. Was a benefactor of the Vatican Library, and patron of arts and science. and the rescue of much of Rome's antiquity is due to his personal interest in archaeology. Clement is perhaps best notable for the Rites Controversy in China, forbidding Jesuit missionaries to take part in honoring Chinese philosophers such as Confucius or ancestor worship, seeing them as religious, rather than secular actions. This was enforced to ''all'' missionary work, which completely defanged Jesuit efforts across the globe and remained an active policy for centuries to come to completely trample over local beliefs from now on - with predictable results on the conversion rates.

* '''Clement XI''': (1700-1721) Real name Giovanni Francesco Albani. Was a benefactor of the Vatican Library, and patron of arts and science. and the rescue of much of Rome's antiquity is due to his personal interest in archaeology. Clement is perhaps best notable for the Rites Controversy in China, forbidding Jesuit missionaries to take part in honoring Chinese philosophers such as Confucius or ancestor worship.

* '''Innocent XI''' (1676-1689) Real name, Benedetto Odescalchi. Despite coming to power in the Baroque period, was a AffluentAscetic who doubled-down on both Curia excesses and nepotism that's been hollowing the Papal State inside-out. He got things in order in just few years, often getting personally involved to judge various embezzlers and . On less sympathetic note, he was a monumental sourpuss that considered fun the worst evil of the world, and, much worse, his policies eventually lead to UsefulNotes/LouisXIV being roped into a crackdown against Huguenots and bunch of religiously-themed skirmishes, which had disastrous consequence for just about everyone in the end. Ironically, Innocent's direct successor, Alexander VIII, did his very best to demolish all the positive reforms of the Curia within his short, two-years reign.

* '''Leo X''' (1513-21): Real name, Giovanni de' Medici. The son of [[TheMagnificent Lorenzo the Magnificent]], who got Pope Innocent VIII to make Giovanni a cardinal, but not until he turned 17 and finished school (he was 13 at the time of the promise). Leo X is mainly remembered for promoting the sale of indulgences for money to such an extent that it sparked [[UsefulNotes/TheProtestantReformation the Luthern Reformation]] in the 16th century, which he supposedly called "[[HorribleJudgeOfCharacter some quarrel of monks]]". Patronized art and literature in Rome to an extraordinary extent, establishing a papal court that was the envy of Renaissance Italy. He became pope at only 37 years old, and he was the last man elected Pope to not already be an ordained priest at the time of his election, thus requiring him to be ordained as a priest and then consecrated as a Bishop before he could take the job. Historically, he and Cesare Borgia were students at Pisa University at the same time in 1491, the year before Giovanni's father died and Cesare's father was elected pope (see Alexander VI below). However, no indication survives regarding how they saw each other. He is traditionally believed to have been an enemy of the Borgias, but like many other aspects of their HistoricalVillainUpgrade, historians aren't so sure anymore. A few works show them as friends, including ''Series/{{Borgia}}'' (Giovanni is played by John Bradley), and ''Manga/CesareIlCreatoreCheHaDistrutto'' which focuses on their school life in 1491-92 and has Giovanni as a major character. [[/folder]]

* St. '''Leo IX''' (1049-1054): Real name, Bruno von Egisheim-Dagsburg. Selected as successor at a convention, but only accepted the office after the population and Cardinals voted for him. His legate to Constantinople started the Great Schism by excommunicating the Patriarch of Constantinople, which he shouldn't have been able to do since Leo had died a few months earlier.

* '''Honorius I''' (625- 638): Honorius was sympathetic to the Monothelites - who believed that Jesus, despite having two natures (human and divine), had only one will (divine) and not two (also human and divine) and expressed these in private letters, though he never stated this ex cathedra. That was enough to enrage exactly everybody, and Honorius got anathematized after his death for his negligence.

* '''Clement VIII''' (1592-1605): Real name, Ippolito Aldobrandini. The Coffee Pope. When the coffee craze hit Europe, Clement, a scholarly type who [[MustHaveCaffeine must have pulled plenty of all-nighters]], became a fan. He was urged to condemn coffee because it came from the Islamic world (the first European to taste it, Spanish Jesuit Pedro Páez, had been forced to do so disguised as a Turk in Africa), but he blessed it instead. Today, you can get mugs with his picture on them. Elected by cardinals tired of Spanish interference, he was an impartial pontiff and tried hard for the umpteenth time to unify Europe against the Ottomans, for which he accepted Henry IV of France's return to the Catholic Church, mediated between Henry and UsefulNotes/PhilipII of Spain, and put peace among some other quarreling countries and religious orders. His resultant Holy League managed to stop Ottoman advance in Europe, although they failed to reconquer lost ground. Less sympathetically, he presided over the trail and execution of Giordano Bruno and was harsher than usual on Jews.

* '''Urban VII''' (1590): Real name Giovanni Castagna. A former apostolic nuncio to Spain, he was elected on on September 15, 1590 with Spanish support. He might have had great ambitions, but died only 13 days later, making him the shortest-reigning pope in history. Was responsible for the world's first public smoking ban, as he threatened anyone who took tobacco near a church with excommunication.

* '''Benedict XII''' (1334-1342): Real name, Jacques Fourier. The "Accidental" Pope. During Papal Conclaves, it was common for the cardinals to vote for someone who has no chance of actually winning the papacy on the first ballot, solely to gauge the leaning of the other voters. The strategy backfired miserably as 15 of the 16 electors (except Fourier) all independently voted for Fourier on the first ballot ("And the last shall be first" indeed). As pope he did a pretty good job too.

* '''Honorius I''' (625- 638): If you're looking for the evidence that popes aren't quite infallible, look no further. Honorius was sympathetic to the Monothelites - who believed that Jesus, despite having two natures (human and divine), had only one will (divine) and not two (also human and divine). While today it doesn't seem to be a big deal, back in the seventh century that was enough to enrage exactly everybody. Honorius got anathematized after his death for his negligence.

* St. '''Gregory I the Great''' (590-604): One of the four great Latin Fathers of the Church (along with St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Jerome). Thoroughly reformed and strengthened the church. Started missions in England to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons, whom he famously called "''[[IncrediblyLamePun non Angli, sed Angeli]]''" ("not Angles, but Angels"). He also reformed Catholic liturgy and the music to be used during Masses. "Gregorian chanting" is named after him (although it is a later invention).

* St. '''Gelasius I''' (492-496) Apparently that was his real name. Prolific writer and strict traditionalist who stressed the importance of a single central Church authority. Legend has it that he was black, because he came from Africa. More likely, he was born in the part of the Roman Empire that extended into northern Africa.

* St. '''Innocent I''' (401-417). Tried to mediate between the visigoths and {{the emperor}} of UsefulNotes/{{Rome}} to avoid the looting of 410, without succeeding. The effort makes him a {{nice guy}}.

* St. '''Fabian''' (236-250). Elected when a dove flew down on his head. He was initially well regarded, and managed to return the bodies of Pope Pontian and Antipope Hippolytus (both saints) for burial, but he eventually died in prison during the Decian persecution.

** According to another legend he was not executed during a persecution but due to him [[DidntThinkThisThrough not thinking things through]]. Simon Magus challenged Peter to a magic contest before Nero, his court and the Senate, and used demons to make himself fly. Peter then banished the demons, making Simon plummet to his death. This violated the law against using magic to cause harm, and carried an automatic death sentence. UsefulNotes/{{Nero}} had him promptly captured and executed.

* '''Innocent XII''' (1691-1700) Real name, Antonio Pignatelli. Took a hardline stance against nepotism, issuing a papal bull outlawing it, continuing the policies of his predecessor to the name, Innocent XI. [[TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers Also]], he was [[LastOfHisKind the last pope]] to have facial hair.

* '''Gregory XIV''' (1590-1): Real name, Niccolò Sfondrato. Sickly and old, he was chosen from a list of seven candidates favored by Spanish minister Count-Duke of Olivares, who wanted to maintain the Church's support. Gregory didn't want the job, as he was fairly certain he wouldn't be up to it, and in fact [[DespairEventHorizon cried in despair]] when he was elected. His prediction proved to be right, as he lacked political experience and had to leave much of the running of the Church to his subordinates, but he surely supported Spain with ardor as they wanted, excommunicating Henry IV of France during the UsefulNotes/FrenchWarsOfReligion and trying to get King UsefulNotes/PhilipII of Spain as their new king (he did rule against abuse of natives in the Spanish Philippines, though). Overall, being given the Papacy did not do wonders for his mental health, and he subsequently suffered fits of [[LaughingMad nervous laughter]], even {{Corpsing}} while he was crowned. Died within a year.

* '''Sixtus V''' (1585-1590): Real name, Felice Peretti. A Franciscan monk, he was a member of the order's hardliner faction. As in, he was the Inquisitor General of Venice before he became Pope, [[KnightTemplar and was so severe the Venetians threw him out]]. On becoming Pope, he made his first order of business bringing order to the Papal States, and [[CowboyCop did so with gusto]], [[OffWithHisHead with numerous decapitations]]. His foreign policy was likewise very much "us against them", with the "them" being Protestants and Muslims -- Sixtus supported the [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOfTheSpanishArmada Spanish Armada]] and spent a lot of time trying to get a crusade against the Ottomans off the ground, although either were successful. His other big project was beautifying and improving Rome, which he did, albeit frequently by demolishing the houses of the meddlesome poor who were cluttering the place up. He was, however, also responsible for a lot of public works, such as the first modern aqueduct in Rome. He also ruled that abortion, rather than merely being a grave sin, was automatic grounds for excommunication. [[AndThereWasMuchRejoicing On his death, mobs tore down his statue]], which says enough about his popularity, as it does the fact [[LastOfHisKind that he was the last pope to take the name Sixtus.]] Modern history has been a bit kinder to him, although he is still considered an over-ambitious and unpersonable example of a Pope.

* '''Gregory XIII''' (1572-85): Real name, Ugo Boncompagni. A promoter of arts of sciences, he is best known for promulgating the calendar used in the western world to this day and ordering calendar reforms that cemented the UsefulNotes/LeapDay. Had a pet project of uniting Spain, France and the Holy Roman Empire against the Turks in order to follow on the victory of Lepanto, but it failed miserably (as always), so he instead put his energies in the the Counter-Reformation: he worked hard to put into practice the principles of the Council of Trent, fostered multiple conspirations and spywork in the attempt to dethrone UsefulNotes/ElizabethI, and supported King UsefulNotes/PhilipII of Spain in his own ventures against the Dutch and British protestants (he tried to get John of Austria to invade England). He and Philip also received the first Japanese embassy in Europe.

* '''Benedict XIV''': (1740-1758): Real name Prospero Lambertini. One of the greatest intellectuals among all the Popes, promoted all sorts of scientific, artistic and literary advances, which didn't impede him from being famously foul-mouthed and a compulsive gambler. Built solid ties with Naples, reprimanded the Portuguese Empire for allowing the slavery of Brazilian natives, and reduced the power of the Company of Jesus, which people around the world were starting to consider excessive. Overall, he was popular enough that even Protestants highly esteemed him.

* '''Clement XII''': (1730-1740) Real name Lorenzo Corsini. Was elected at the shockingly advanced age of 78, the oldest cardinal to reach papacy since, and was already almost blind and bedridden when he started. Thanks to his experience in all possible offices in the Church, he achieved an economical resurgence of the Church, which he invested in erecting buildings and making needed reforms. He was also politically ambitious, at one point disputing the throne of Naples with its recent re-conqueror [[UsefulNotes/CharlesIIIOfSpain Charles of Bourbon]], but was eventually forced to acknowledge him when Charles threatened to invade the Papal States too. Was also the first Pope to condemn Freemasonry.

* '''Clement VIII''' (1592-1605): Real name, Ippolito Aldobrandini. The Coffee Pope. When the coffee craze hit Europe, Clement, a scholarly type who [[MustHaveCaffeine must have pulled plenty of all-nighters]], became a fan. He was urged to condemn coffee because it came from the Islamic world (the first European to taste it, Spanish Jesuit Pedro Páez, had been forced to do so disguised as a Turk in Africa), but he blessed it instead. Today, you can get mugs with his picture on them. Elected by cardinals tired of Spanish interference, he was an impartial pontiff and tried hard for the umpteenth time to unify Europe against the Ottomans, for which he accepted Henry IV of France's return to the Catholic Church, mediated between Henry and Philip II of Spain, and put peace among some other quarreling countries and religious orders. His resultant Holy League managed to stop Ottoman advance in Europe, although they failed to reconquer lost ground. Less sympathetically, he presided over the trail and execution of Giordano Bruno and was harsh on Jews.

* '''Gregory XIV''' (1590-1): Real name, Niccolò Sfondrato. Sickly and old, he was chosen from a list of seven candidates favored by Spanish minister Count-Duke of Olivares, who wanted to maintain the Church's support. Gregory didn't want the job, as he was fairly certain he wouldn't be up to it, and cried in despair when he was elected. His prediction proved to be right, as he lacked political experience and had to leave much of the running of the Church to his subordinates, but he surely supported Spain with ardor, excommunicating Henry IV of France during the UsefulNotes/FrenchWarsOfReligion and trying to get King Philip of Spain as their new king (he did rule against abuse of natives in the Spanish Philippines, though). Overall, being given the Papacy did not do wonders for his mental health, and he rumoredly had fits of nervous laughter, even {{Corpsing}} while he was crowned. Died within a year.

* '''Sixtus V''' (1585-1590): Real name, Felice Peretti. A Franciscan monk, he was a member of the order's hardliner faction. As in, he was the Inquisitor General of Venice before he became Pope, [[KnightTemplar and was so severe the Venetians threw him out]]. On becoming Pope, he made his first order of business bringing order to the Papal States, and [[CowboyCop did so with gusto]], [[OffWithHisHead with numerous decapitations]]. His foreign policy was likewise very much "us against them", with the "them" being Protestants and Muslims -- Sixtus supported the [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOfTheSpanishArmada Spanish Armada]] and spent a lot of time trying to get a crusade against the Ottomans off the ground, although either were successful. His other big project was beautifying and improving Rome, which he did, albeit frequently by demolishing the houses of the meddlesome poor who were cluttering the place up. He was, however, also responsible for a lot of public works, such as the first modern aqueduct in Rome. He also ruled that abortion, rather than merely being a grave sin, was automatic grounds for excommunication. [[AndThereWasMuchRejoicing On his death, mobs tore down his statue]], which says enough about his popularity, as it does the fact [[LastOfHisKind that he was the last pope to take the name Sixtus.]] Modern history has been kinder to him, although he is still considered an over-ambitious and unpersonable example of a Pope.

* '''Gregory XIII''' (1572-85): Real name, Ugo Boncompagni. A promoter of arts of sciences, he is best known for promulgating the calendar used in the western world to this day and ordering calendar reforms that cemented the UsefulNotes/LeapDay. Had a pet project of uniting Spain, France and the Holy Roman Empire against the Turks in order to follow on the victory of Lepanto, but it failed, so he instead put his energies in the the Counter-Reformation: he worked hard to put into practice the principles of the Council of Trent, fostered multiple conspirations and spywork in the attempt to dethrone Elizabeth I, and supported King UsefulNotes/PhilipII of Spain in his own ventures against the Dutch protestants (he tried to get John of Austria to invade England). He and Philip also received the first Japanese embassy in Europe.

* St. '''Pius V''' (1566-72): Real name, Antonio Ghislieri. Standardized the Mass for about four centuries in the Council of Trent and excommunicated Queen UsefulNotes/ElizabethI. Probably one of the most [[BadassPreacher badass Popes]] due his part in assembling the Christian coalition against the Turks, he presided over the great naval victory over the Muslims at the UsefulNotes/BattleOfLepanto, after which he became a fan of the hero of the day, UsefulNotes/JohnOfAustria, at least until John's playboy ways ruined his image. The battle greatly revived the prestige of the politically faltering Church, along with Pius, which included getting rid of the most extravagant luxuries previous Popes had maintained. His nickname was the "[[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Hound of God]]" (actually a play on his order -- St. Pius V belonged to the Dominican Order, whose members are nicknamed "Hounds of the Lord" in a play with ''Domini Canes'' in Latin).

* '''Pius IV''' (1559-1565): Real name Giovanni Angelo Medici. Not a relative of THE Medicis. Started his papacy by trying Paul IV's nephews for their various crimes, then restarted the Council of Trent. A reasonable man, and an effective reformer. Like many popes, made a nephew a cardinal. Unlike most popes, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Borromeo that nephew was genuinely competent AND went on to become a saint.]] Arguably, an underrated pontiff.

* '''Clement VII''' (1523-38): Real name Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici. He brought to the papal throne a high reputation for political ability and possessed in fact all the accomplishments of a wily diplomat, but in turn was notoriously bad at decision-making. Among other things, he was considered worldly and indifferent to the perceived dangers of the Reformation by the people of the papacy. When Holy Roman Emperor UsefulNotes/CharlesV decided Clement needed a warning for calling for a league against him, he besieged Rome and accidentally caused the 1527 Sack of Rome when many of his troops (who were often Protestant mercenaries) mutinied. The [[LastStand glorious]] [[YouShallNotPass sacrifice]] of the Swiss Guards allowed Clement to take refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo, but the Pope ended still greatly disturbed by the experience and took things more seriously, maybe a bit too much. Clement's subsequent refusal to rule on the validity of UsefulNotes/HenryVIII of England's marriage to UsefulNotes/CatherineOfAragon, Charles' aunt, despite years of arguments, set the stage for the English Reformation. Clement went to be considered "the most unfortunate of the Popes" due to all of his mistakes and their consequences.

* '''Adrian VI''' (1522-23): Real name Adriaan Floriszoon Boeyens. Born in Utrecht, he was Holy Roman Emperor UsefulNotes/CharlesV's tutor and acted as a regent of Spain in his name before reaching Papacy. The last non-Italian pope until John Paul II was chosen 475 years later, he didn't enjoy his new position and came to outright hate it: he had been chosen in absentia against his will, and although Charles and him shared a goal of uniting Christendom against Islam, a rift opened between master and disciple because they differed in their approach and Adrian believed he should not be partial to him. He was noted to be very dependant on the cardinals' advice, maybe too much. Launched the Counter-Reformation, although he obtained little success due to their opposition. One of only two popes in the past thousand years (along with Marcellus II 32 years later) to keep their birth name as their papal name.

* '''Urban VIII''' (1623-44): Real name, Maffeo Barberini. Pope during the height of the Baroque period in art and patron of famous architects [[Art/TheRapeOfProserpinaBernini Bernini]] and Borromini. His name and crest can be seen on numerous monuments in Rome today, including the decorations on St. Peter's Basilica. Member of the powerful Barberini family, whose house is now the Italian National Gallery of Art. Personal friend of Galileo, until there was a falling out over the astronomer's ''Dialogo sopra i due massimi sistemi del mondo''. An ambitious Pope, he expanded the military power of the Vatican States, if only at the cost of utterly massive debts that his successors would have to suffer.

* '''Clement VIII''' (1592-1605): Real name Ippolito Aldobrandini. The Coffee Pope. When the coffee craze hit Europe, Clement, a scholarly type who [[MustHaveCaffeine must have pulled plenty of all-nighters]], became a fan. He was urged to condemn coffee because it came from the Islamic world (the first European to taste it, Spanish Jesuit Pedro Páez, had been forced to do so disguised as a Turk in Africa), but he blessed it instead. Today, you can get mugs with his picture on them. He tried hard for the umpteenth time to unify Europe against the Ottomans, for which he accepted Henry IV of France's return to the Catholic Church, mediated between Henry and Philip II of Spain, and put peace among some other quarreling countries and religious orders. His resultant Holy League managed to stop Ottoman advance in Europe, although they failed to reconquer lost ground. Less sympathetically, he presided over the trail and execution of Giordano Bruno and was harsh on Jews.

* '''Gregory XIV''' (1590-1): Real name, Niccolò Sfondrato. Sickly and old, he was chosen from a list of seven candidates supplied by the King UsefulNotes/PhilipII of Spain. He didn't want the job, and was fairly certain he wouldn't be up to it. This proved to be the case; he died within a year, and left much of the running of the Church to his subordinates. Sided with Philip against Henry IV of France during the UsefulNotes/FrenchWarsOfReligion.

* '''Urban VII''' (1590): Real name Giovanni Castagna. Was elected on on September 15, 1590, but died only 13 days later, making him the shortest-reigning pope in history. Was responsible for the world's first public smoking ban, as he threatened anyone who took tobacco near a church with excommunication.

* '''Sixtus V''' (1585-1590): Real name, Felice Peretti. A Franciscan monk, he was a member of the order's hardliner faction. As in, he was the Inquisitor General of Venice before he became Pope. [[KnightTemplar And was so severe the Venetians threw him out]]. On becoming Pope, he made his first order of business bringing order to the Papal States, and [[CowboyCop did so with gusto]], [[OffWithHisHead with numerous decapitations]]. His foreign policy was likewise very much "us against them", with the "them" being Protestants and Muslims -- Sixtus supported the [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOfTheSpanishArmada Spanish Armada]], and spent a lot of time trying to get a crusade against the Ottomans off the ground. Neither were successful. His other big project was beautifying and improving Rome, which he did, albeit frequently by demolishing the houses of the meddlesome poor who were cluttering the place up. He was, however, also responsible for a lot of public works, such as the first modern aqueduct in Rome. He also ruled that abortion, rather than merely being a grave sin, was automatic grounds for excommunication. [[AndThereWasMuchRejoicing On his death, mobs tore down his statue]], which says enough about his popularity. So does the fact [[LastOfHisKind that he was the last pope to take the name 'Sixtus'.]]

* '''Gregory XIII''' (1572-85): Real name, Ugo Boncompagni. Promulgated the calendar used in the western world to this day and worked hard to put into practice the principles of the Council of Trent. Also ordered calendar reforms that cemented the UsefulNotes/LeapDay.

* St. '''Pius V''' (1566-72): Real name, Antonio Ghislieri. Standardized the Mass for about four centuries in the Council of Trent and excommunicated Queen UsefulNotes/ElizabethI. Presided over the great naval victory over the Muslims at the UsefulNotes/BattleOfLepanto, after which he became a fan of the hero of the day, UsefulNotes/JohnOfAustria, at least until John's playboy ways ruined his image. Probably one of the most [[BadassPreacher badass Popes]] due his part in assembling the Christian coalition against the Turks, and that the battle greatly revived the prestige of the politically faltering Church. His nickname was the "[[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Hound of God]]".
** His nickname is also a play on his order--St. Pius V was a Dominican. ''Domini Canes,'' a play on that term, means "Hounds of the Lord."

* '''Clement VII''' (1523-38): Real name Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici. He brought to the papal throne a high reputation for political ability and possessed in fact all the accomplishments of a wily diplomat, but was notoriously bad at decision-making. Among other things, he was considered worldly and indifferent to the perceived dangers of the Reformation by the people of the papacy. When Holy Roman Emperor UsefulNotes/CharlesV decided Clement needed a warning for calling for a league against him, he besieged Rome and accidentally caused the 1527 Sack of Rome when many of his troops (who were often Protestant mercenaries) mutinied. The [[LastStand glorious]] [[YouShallNotPass sacrifice]] of the Swiss Guards allowed Clement to take refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo, but the Pope ended still greatly disturbed by the experience and took things more seriously, maybe a bit too much. Clement's subsequent refusal to rule on the validity of UsefulNotes/HenryVIII of England's marriage to UsefulNotes/CatherineOfAragon, Charles' aunt, despite years of arguments, set the stage for the English Reformation. Clement went to be considered "the most unfortunate of the Popes" due to all of his mistakes and their consequences.

* '''Adrian VI''' (1522-23): Real name Adriaan Floriszoon Boeyens. Born in Utrecht, he was the last non-Italian pope until John Paul II was chosen 475 years later. Launched the Counter-Reformation. One of only two popes in the past thousand years (along with Marcellus II 32 years later) to keep their birth name as their papal name.

** First Jesuit pope (up until then, it was widely believed that a Jesuit would ''never'' be Pope due to their controversial role in the Church itself)
** First pope since the 15th century to succeed a living pontiff

** First pope not to be born in Europe since the 8th century (Gregory III, a Syrian, died in 741)

** The first Pope in modern times to [[https://www.reuters.com/world/former-pope-benedict-has-died-spokesman-2022-12-31/ preside]] at the funeral of a previous Pope as Pope when Benedict's funeral was held on January 5.[[note]]Other Popes had presided at the funerals of their predecessors, like Benedict did for John Paul II in 2005, but this was prior to their being elected Pope.[[/note]]

He has also officially declared all members of organized crime, specifically [[TheMafia the Mafiosi]], [[http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/06/21/pope-mafia-italy-south/11206469/?AID=10709313&PID=6151265&SID=1s6oz8crbfx3d to officially be considered excommunicated from the church.]] Currently massively popular ([[https://bit.ly/2Te9c5l outside Europe]], that is), that his recent visit to the Philippines actually broke the previous record for largest papal Mass set by then Pope John Paul II's visit in 1995 ''on the same country'' - estimated to ''six million'' compared to five on the previous papal visit. He acted as eparch (bishop) of the Eastern Catholics in Argentina as well. [[labelnote:nota bene]]His name is "Francis", not "Francis the First" -- Unlike the John Pauls, he won't be Francis I until there's a Francis II.[[/labelnote]]

* St. '''John Paul II''' (1978-2005, canonized April 27, 2014): Real name Karol Józef Wojtyła. The first East European Pope [[note]]was the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, before being chosen, when elected he asked if he could call himself Stanislaus after the Polish saint, but was told that wasn't Roman enough[[/note]], and the first non-Italian in the job in ''centuries''. [[note]]455 years, to be exact. Adrian VI, a sixteenth-century Dutchman, was the last before him.[[/note]] Also known, especially after his death, as Pope John Paul [[TheMagnificent the Great]]. Unusually young for recent history when chosen (he was fifty-eight years old), partly out of a desire not to have to hold another conclave for a decade (they managed almost ''three''). Had the third-longest papal reign in history -- a little over 26 years. ''Staunchly'' conservative, he had great publicity and charisma as well as [[LargeHam a very large presence]], not to mention he traveled through the whole world (hence his nickname "The Pilgrim Pope" and one reporter making a pun on the title "Bishop of Rome"). He created the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Youth_Day#World_Youth_Days_1987_to_1993 World Youth Day]], an international event for young pilgrims. One such trip to the Philippines, in 1995, saw the largest crowd in history gathered to see him (such record even stood for nearly two decades, until Pope Francis' visit to the same country). Said to have been important in the fall of the various Communist governments; UsefulNotes/MikhailGorbachev once told the Pope that the Iron Curtain never would have fallen without his efforts. Famously was almost assassinated then forgave and visited his assassin in prison. Humor-minded history teachers have [[MemeticBadass likened him to]] Film/JamesBond (without the sex, of course, although [[PedophilePriest black comedy]] is optional). Also re-invented as a super-hero, The Incredible Popeman (or the [[http://www.traditioninaction.org/RevolutionPhotos/A036rcComicPope3.htm Superpope]]). Available as several action figures including a talking one.[[note]]It has an audio chip with 22 brief recordings of Karol's own voice.[[/note]]

** In an interesting bit of trivia, one of the people beatified in his final years was the man he was named after: Karl Josef von Habsburg, the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary. "Karol Jozef" happened to be the Polish version of that name, given by his patriotic father (Wadowice, where he was born, had been in Austrian Silesia until a few months before he was born). It's been said that he did so as a sign of gratitude to his namesake. In fairness, it's not like [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_Austria Karl]] was not deserving: he was the OnlySaneMan among state leaders during UsefulNotes/WorldWarI--advocating that everyone just give up and go home to rebuild-- and Anatole France called him "a saint" decades ago.

*** Several of his beatifications/canonizations, however, [[BrokenBase have been very controversial.]] For example, he beatified the Croatian cardinal [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysius_Stepinac Aloysius Stepinac]] (accused of [[LesCollaborateurs having]] [[TheQuisling collaborated]] with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ustasha the brutal Nazi-inspired regime]] that ruled Croatia in UsefulNotes/WorldWarII, which led to quite the impasse with the Serbian Orthodox Church) and the Spanish priest [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josemaría_Escrivá Jose Maria Escriva de Balaguer]] founder of the ''very'' infamous [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opus_Dei Opus Dei]] and alleged supporter of right-wing dictators like Hitler, Franco and Pinochet).

** At the beginning of his reign he was a relatively young 58 years old, and in great physical condition at the time. He reguarly exercised, much to the consternation of his staff who said tourists could see him exercising. John Paul had a swimming pool installed at his summer residence and when asked about the cost said it was cheaper than another conclave.
*** The May, 1981 assassination attempt had been far more damaging to his health than was publically known. John Paul suffered a cardiac arrest after the shooting and it damaged his intestines. He recovered from the shooting and remained in good shape throughout the 1980s, and continued to exercise as well.
*** However the long term effects of the shooting began to catch up with him in the mid 1990s, along with other longstanding medical conditions. In 2001 a surgeon confirmed John Paul had Parkinson's disease. By then he had osteoarthrosis and hearing problems. Even with all those health problems he continued traveling the world, with his last international trip about eight months before his death.

* '''Urban VIII''' (1623-44): Real name, Maffeo Barberini. Pope during the height of the Baroque period in art and patron of famous architects [[Art/TheRapeOfProserpinaBernini Bernini]] and Borromini. His name and crest can be seen on numerous monuments in Rome today, including the decorations on St. Peter's Basilica. Member of the powerful Barberini family, whose house is now the Italian National Gallery of Art. Personal friend of Galileo, until there was a falling out over the astronomer's ''Dialogo sopra i due massimi sistemi del mondo''.

* '''Clement VIII''' (1592-1605): Real name Ippolito Aldobrandini. The Coffee Pope. When the coffee craze hit Europe, Clement, a scholarly type who [[MustHaveCaffeine must have pulled plenty of all-nighters]], became a fan. He was urged to condemn coffee because it came from the Islamic world (the first European to taste it, Jesuit Pedro Páez, had been forced to do so disguised as a Turk in Africa), but he blessed it instead. Today, you can get mugs with his picture on them. He also accepted Henry IV of France's return to the Catholic Church.

* '''Sixtus V''' (1585-1590): Real name, Felice Peretti. A Franciscan monk, he was a member of the order's hardliner faction. As in, he was the Inquisitor General of Venice before he became Pope. [[KnightTemplar And was so severe the Venetians threw him out]]. On becoming Pope, he made his first order of business bringing order to the Papal States, and [[CowboyCop did so with gusto]], [[OffWithHisHead with numerous decapitations]]. His foreign policy was likewise very much "us against them", with the "them" being Protestants and Muslims -- Sixtus supported the [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOfTheSpanishArmada Spanish Armada]], and spent a lot of time trying to get a crusade against the Ottomans off the ground. Neither were successful. His other big project was beautifying and improving Rome, which he did, albeit frequently by demolishing the houses of the meddlesome poor who were cluttering the place up. He was, however, also responsible for a lot of public works, such as the first modern aqueduct in Rome. He also ruled that abortion, rather than merely being a grave sin, was automatic grounds for excommunication. [[AndThereWasMuchRejoicing On his death, mobs tore down his statue.]] This says a lot about his popularity. So does the fact [[LastOfHisKind that he was the last pope to take the name 'Sixtus'.]]

* St. '''Pius V''' (1566-72): Real name, Antonio Ghislieri. Standardized the Mass for about four centuries in the Council of Trent and excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I. Presided over the great naval victory over the Muslims at the UsefulNotes/BattleOfLepanto, after which he became a fan of the hero of the day, UsefulNotes/JohnOfAustria, at least until John's playboy ways ruined his image. Probably one of the most [[BadassPreacher badass Popes]] due his part in assembling the Christian coalition against the Turks, and that the battle greatly revived the prestige of the politically faltering Church. His nickname was the "[[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Hound of God]]".

* '''Marcellus II''' (1555): Born Marcello Cervini degli Spannochi. Not particularly important in himself, but somewhat significant for three reasons: (1) He is the last Pope so far to use his birth name as his regnal name. (2) He had a very short reign, which was rather unfortunate, as he was noted as a real reformer who could have brought change to the Vatican had he lived. (3) Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina dedicated [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRfF7W4El60 one of the crowning achievements of Renaissance polyphonic music]] to him.

* '''Paul III''' (1538-1549): Real name Alessandro Farnese (not to confuse with the Spanish general [[UsefulNotes/AlexanderFarnese Alessandro Farnese]], who was his grand-grandson). Became a cardinal as a result of the efforts of his famous sister Giulia, [[TheMistress Alexander VI's mistress]]. After trying for the top spot for decades, finally got it as the Catholic Church was in the middle of a bit trouble popularly known as UsefulNotes/TheProtestantReformation. Paul responded by calling the Council of Trent and starting the Counter-Reformation in earnest, which he proved to be quite good at, with his papacy seeing groups like the Jesuits starting up. He also spent his time trying to put peace between UsefulNotes/CharlesV and Francis I, in which he failed, and making sure his own family got filthy rich, in which he succeeded, with his son Pier Luigi winding up the Duke of Parma. On the whole, a complicated guy. He is played by Irish actor Diarmuid Noyes in all three seasons of the ''Series/{{Borgia}}'' series, though it concludes long before the events of his Papacy.

* '''Clement VII''' (1523-38): Real name Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici. He brought to the papal throne a high reputation for political ability and possessed in fact all the accomplishments of a wily diplomat. However, he was considered worldly and indifferent to the perceived dangers of UsefulNotes/TheProtestantReformation by the people of the papacy. When Holy Roman Emperor UsefulNotes/CharlesV decided the Church needed a warning for not supporting him, he besieged Rome and accidentally caused the 1527 Sack of Rome when many of his troops (often Protestants) mutinied. The [[LastStand glorious]] [[YouShallNotPass sacrifice]] of the Swiss Guards allowed Clement to take refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo, but he ended still greatly disturbed by the experience and took things more seriously, maybe a bit too much. Clement's subsequent refusal to rule on the validity of UsefulNotes/HenryVIII of England's marriage to UsefulNotes/CatherineOfAragon, Charles' aunt, despite years of arguments, set the stage for the English Reformation. Clement went to be considered "the most unfortunate of the Popes" as a consequence of everything.

* '''Leo X''' (1513-21): Real name, Giovanni de' Medici. The son of [[TheMagnificent Lorenzo the Magnificent]], who got Pope Innocent VIII to make Giovanni a cardinal, but not until he turned 17 and finished school (he was 13 at the time of the promise). Leo X is mainly remembered for promoting the sale of indulgences for money to such an extent that it sparked the Lutheran reformation in the 16th century. Supposedly called [[UsefulNotes/TheProtestantReformation the Reformation]] "some quarrel of monks". Patronized art and literature in Rome to an extraordinary extent, establishing a papal court that was the envy of Renaissance Italy. He became pope at only 37 years old, and he was the last man elected Pope to not already be an ordained priest at the time of his election, thus requiring him to be ordained as a priest and then consecrated as a Bishop before he could take the job. Historically, he and Cesare Borgia were students at Pisa University at the same time in 1491, the year before Giovanni's father died and Cesare's father was elected pope (see Alexander VI below). However, no indication survives regarding how they saw each other. He is traditionally believed to have been an enemy of the Borgias, but like many other aspects of their HistoricalVillainUpgrade, historians aren't so sure anymore. A few works show them as friends, including ''Series/{{Borgia}}'' (Giovanni is played by John Bradley), and ''Manga/CesareIlCreatoreCheHaDistrutto'' which focuses on their school life in 1491-92 and has Giovanni as a major character. [[/folder]]

* '''[[UsefulNotes/PopeJuliusII Julius II]]''' (1503-1513): Real name, Giuliano della Rovere. [[ChurchMilitant The Warrior Pope]], famous for commanding troops at the front, wearing armor and directing siege works, as well for acquiring syphilis. Nephew of a previous Pope, Sixtus IV, [[{{Nepotism}} who gave Giuliano his cardinal's hat]]. Bitter enemy of Alexander VI. Also famous for overseeing Creator/MichelangeloBuonarroti when the artist painted the ceiling of the Art/SistineChapel. Played by Rex Harrison in ''Film/TheAgonyAndTheEcstasy'', opposite Charlton Heston as Michelangelo; by Colm Feore in ''Series/TheBorgias'', and by the Serbian-Danish actor Dejan Čukić in ''Series/{{Borgia}}''.