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popes
World / 25 weeks ago
Where were the popes born?
Of the 266 popes elected throughout the history of the Catholic Church, a staggering 217 were born in Italy, according to the Vatican Archives. This means over 81% of popes have hailed from a single country—an astonishing statistic that underscores Italy’s enduring influence over the Vatican and the broader Roman Catholic institution. Italy’s overwhelming representation among popes is no coincidence. The Vatican, nestled within Rome, is both the religious and geographical heart of Catholicism. For centuries, the proximity, political power, and cultural clout of Italy made it the natural birthplace for pontiffs, especially during the medieval and Renaissance eras when the papacy was heavily entwined with Italian politics.
World / 29 weeks ago
A look at papal longevity and leadership in the Catholic Church
The papacy is one of the oldest and most respected leadership positions in the world, with popes often serving well into old age. A visual by World Visualized highlights the oldest popes in office, showcasing how age and experience have shaped the Catholic Church’s leadership across centuries.
