Did you know that there’s a pope who’s not considered a saint? This fact might come as a surprise to some, but not every pope makes the cut when it comes to sainthood. We often think of the papacy and the Vatican as synonymous with holiness and piety, but the reality is that the Catholic Church has a rigorous and lengthy process for officially canonizing saints. And despite having a long history of spiritual leaders, only a select few popes have been granted sainthood.
But which pope, specifically, isn’t a saint? The answer might be surprising, as he’s one of the most well-known figures in recent Catholic history. That’s right, the 264th pope, John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 until his death in 2005, has yet to be canonized. Pope John Paul II was known for his prolific writings, charismatic personality, and his role in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. He was beloved by many for his outreach to youth and interfaith dialogue, but despite his widespread popularity, he still hasn’t been granted sainthood.
Papal sainthood
For centuries, the Catholic Church has recognized some popes as saints. However, not every pope has been canonized. In fact, there are several popes who have not been honored as saints by the church for various reasons.
- Pope Liberius (352-366): Though he was a strong defender of the faith during a time of great persecution, Pope Liberius made some questionable decisions during his papacy. Most notably, he excommunicated St. Athanasius, a champion of orthodox Christianity, and recognized an Arian bishop who denied the divinity of Christ. For these reasons, Pope Liberius has never been named a saint.
- Pope Benedict IX (1032-1048): Benedict IX is widely regarded as the worst pope in history. He sold the papacy at least twice and was accused of murder and rape. Needless to say, his immoral behavior has prevented him from being canonized.
- Pope Clement VII (1523-1534): Clement VII was pope during one of the most tumultuous times in Church history. He was unable to prevent the Protestant Reformation and made some controversial political decisions. Despite his attempts to reform the Church from within, Clement VII was never declared a saint.
It’s important to note that not every pope is automatically considered a candidate for sainthood. In order to be canonized, a pope must have lived a life of exemplary virtue, have performed miracles, and have been venerated by the Church and the faithful. Even then, the process of canonization is long and rigorous, often taking several years or even decades to complete.
Canonization Process
The process of canonization is an extensive and intricate procedure carried out by the Catholic Church in order to declare someone a saint. The purpose of the process is to investigate the candidate’s life and determine whether he or she has exhibited the virtues of faith, hope, and charity to an extraordinary degree. The investigation also includes verifying the existence of miracles attributed to the candidate’s intercession.
- The first step in the process is for a person to be put forth as a candidate. This typically happens at the local level, where the person lived and where he or she is most venerated.
- If local recognition is given, the cause then moves to the bishop of the diocese where the person lived. The bishop sets up a tribunal to investigate the candidate’s life and writings.
- If the tribunal finds that the candidate lived a life of heroic virtue, the bishop sends the findings to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The congregation reviews the case and, if it finds the candidate worthy of further study, declares him or her a Servant of God.
The next stage is for miracles to be attributed to the candidate’s intercession. Generally, two miracles are required to be declared a saint. However, the Church may waive this requirement if there is evidence of the candidate’s martyrdom or widespread veneration. To confirm a miracle, an investigation is conducted by medical and theological experts, and the case is reviewed by the congregation.
Once the miracles are confirmed, the pope makes the final determination of canonization. The ceremony is typically carried out in Rome, and the saint is added to the liturgical calendar of the Church.
| Stage | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Servant of God | Declared by diocesan bishop, investigation of life and writings |
| Venerable | Declared by Congregation for the Causes of Saints, investigation of heroic virtue |
| Blessed | One miracle required, investigation of miracle |
| Saint | Two miracles required (usually) |
It is important to note that not all popes who have died are declared saints. The Catholic Church is careful to distinguish between the office of the papacy and the person who holds it. Just because someone held the office of pope does not necessarily mean he lived a life of extraordinary virtue or is worthy of being venerated as a saint.
Non-sainted Popes
The Catholic Church practices the veneration of saints, who are individuals believed to have lived exceptionally virtuous lives and are now in heaven. However, not every Pope has been declared a saint by the Church.
- Pope Liberius (352-366): Liberius is famously known for his role in the Arian controversy, where he was forced to exile St. Athanasius, who had been repeatedly defending orthodox teachings against Arianism. He later signed an Arian creed, which eventually led to his excommunication by his successor, Pope St. Damasus I.
- Pope Benedict IX (1032-1044): Benedict was elected as Pope three times over a span of eight years, but his reigns were full of controversy and scandal. He sold the office to his godfather, Gregory VI, and even attempted to reclaim the papacy twice more through violent means.
- Pope John XXIII (1410-1415): John XXIII was not the same as Pope John XXIII, who was a saint. The former was accused of simony, bribery, nepotism, and even murder. He was deposed by the Council of Constance and replaced by Pope Martin V.
The Legacy of Non-Sainted Popes
Non-sainted Popes are not necessarily bad Popes. Some of them have made positive contributions to the Church, like Pope Liberius, who played a significant role in establishing the papacy’s authority in the Church’s early history. However, their legacies are often overshadowed by their lapses in judgment and moral failings.
The history of non-sainted Popes serves as a reminder that the papacy is not immune to corruption and scandal. Still, the Catholic Church has always been committed to purifying and reforming itself whenever such instances occur through various means, including investigations, trials, and councils.
A List of Non-Sainted Popes
| Pope | Reign | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pope Liberius | 352-366 | Excommunicated by his successor, Pope St. Damasus I, for signing an Arian creed during the Arian controversy |
| Pope Benedict IX | 1032-1044 | Controversial reigns full of scandal, including selling the papacy and attempting to reclaim it through violence |
| Pope John XXIII | 1410-1415 | Deposed by the Council of Constance for simony, bribery, nepotism, and murder |
There have been a total of 80 non-sainted Popes in the history of the Catholic Church. Some of these Popes have been accused of heresy, corruption, and even murder. Despite their moral failings, their contributions to the Church and their role in shaping the institution cannot be overlooked.
Criticisms of Papal Sainthood
While the process of canonization for popes has been established for centuries within the Catholic Church, there are many who criticize the practice of granting sainthood to the leaders of the Church. These criticisms include:
- Political motivations: Popes may be canonized not necessarily for their own personal holiness, but because of their political or social impact on the Church. This can lead to the glorification of popes who may not have been entirely virtuous in their own lives.
- Historical revisionism: Some argue that the Church has engaged in a type of historical revisionism by canonizing popes who may have had questionable legacies or who weren’t well-liked in their own time.
- Investigative shortcomings: The process of canonization typically involves a thorough investigation of the candidate’s life, but some criticize the Church for not being diligent enough in uncovering all the facts or for ignoring inconvenient truths that might contradict the candidate’s suitability for sainthood.
One notable example of a pope who is not a saint is Pope Pius XII (Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli), who served as pope from 1939 to 1958. Despite being a candidate for canonization, his legacy has been marred by controversy surrounding his alleged silence during the Holocaust. Critics argue that the Church is ignoring or downplaying these accusations in order to promote the canonization of a pope who may not be deserving of sainthood.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church has a long tradition of canonizing popes, there are valid criticisms of this practice. The sanctity of a pope’s life should not be determined solely by his position in the Church or his impact on history, but rather by his personal holiness and adherence to Christian virtues.
Historical Controversies Surrounding Papal Figures
Papal history is not without its fair share of controversies. While many popes are venerated as saints, there are some who have been embroiled in scandals and controversies that have cast a dark shadow over their reputations. Below are some examples of popes who have caused controversy throughout history.
- Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) – Known for his nepotism and corruption, Alexander VI is believed to have fathered several children with mistresses while in office. He was also accused of simony, or buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices.
- Pope John XII (955-964) – John XII was notorious for his immoral behavior and was even accused of turning the papal palace into a brothel. He was also alleged to have committed murder, adultery, and incest while in office.
- Pope Benedict IX (1032-1045) – Benedict IX is widely considered to be one of the worst popes in history. He was accused of selling the papacy to his godfather, engaging in numerous affairs, and committing murders.
These are just a few examples of the many controversies surrounding papal figures throughout history. While some popes have been venerated as saints, others have left a darker legacy.
Medieval Church Scandals
The medieval period was a time of great upheaval and change, and the Church was not immune to these challenges. Throughout this period, there were a number of scandals and controversies that threatened to undermine the authority and influence of the Catholic Church.
One of the most notorious examples of a medieval church scandal was the Avignon Papacy. This period, which lasted from 1309-1376, saw French popes take up residence in Avignon rather than in Rome. This led to accusations of corruption, nepotism, and the politicization of the papacy.
In addition to the Avignon Papacy, there were also a number of controversies surrounding the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were a form of absolution that could be purchased from the Church for the remission of sins. This practice was widely criticized during the Reformation and is often cited as a contributing factor to the rise of Protestantism.
Papal Infallibility
One of the most controversial teachings of the Catholic Church is the doctrine of papal infallibility. According to this doctrine, the pope is considered infallible in matters of faith and morals when speaking ex cathedra, or from the chair of St. Peter.
| Pope | Papacy | Major Controversies |
|---|---|---|
| Benedict IX | 1032-1045 | Selling the papacy, affairs, murder |
| Pope John XII | 955-964 | Murder, adultery, incest, turning the papal palace into a brothel |
| Pope Alexander VI | 1492-1503 | Nepotism, corruption, simony, fathering children with mistresses |
This doctrine has been a source of controversy within the Church and has been the subject of much debate among theologians and lay Catholics alike. Critics argue that it places too much power in the hands of the pope and diminishes the role of the laity in the Church. Defenders of the doctrine, on the other hand, argue that it is necessary for maintaining unity and consistency within the Church.
While the Catholic Church has weathered many controversies throughout its history, it continues to be a powerful force in the world today. As new scandals and controversies emerge, the Church must continue to adapt and evolve in order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Views of non-Catholic religions on papal sainthood
The concept of sainthood is unique to the Catholic Church, and the idea of recognizing popes as saints is a controversial topic among non-Catholic religions. Here are some perspectives from other faiths:
- Protestantism: The Protestant faith, which split from the Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th century, does not recognize the concept of sainthood. Therefore, the idea of a pope being canonized as a saint is not relevant to the faith.
- Orthodox Christianity: The Eastern Orthodox Church has a different approach to sainthood than the Catholic Church. While it recognizes many of the same saints, the process of canonization is not centralized and is decided by local churches. The Orthodox Church also does not have a papacy, so the idea of a pope being canonized is not applicable to the faith.
- Judaism: The Jewish faith does not recognize sainthood or the Catholic Church’s process of canonization. Therefore, the concept of a pope being recognized as a saint is not relevant to the faith.
While the opinion of non-Catholic religions on papal sainthood varies, it is clear that the concept is not recognized in many other faiths. This further highlights the uniqueness of the Catholic Church’s approach to sainthood and the role of the papacy in its canonization process.
However, it’s worth noting that some non-Catholic faiths do recognize the spiritual and social contributions of certain individuals, similar to the Catholic Church’s recognition of sainthood. For example, in Hinduism and Buddhism, individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual realization or enlightenment are often venerated and revered by their followers.
| Religion | Recognition of sainthood | Opinion on papal sainthood |
|---|---|---|
| Catholicism | Yes | Positive |
| Protestantism | No | Irrelevant |
| Orthodox Christianity | Yes, but different process | Irrelevant |
| Judaism | No | Irrelevant |
| Hinduism | Yes, different process | N/A |
| Buddhism | Yes, different process | N/A |
Overall, while sainthood is recognized in some non-Catholic faiths, the concept of papal sainthood is not relevant to them. This emphasizes the uniqueness of the Catholic Church’s approach to recognizing saints and the role of the papacy in the process.
Future prospects for papal sainthood
The Catholic Church has canonized hundreds of popes over the course of its history, recognizing them as saints and offering them as role models for the faithful. However, not all popes have been granted sainthood, and some are quite unlikely to receive it in the future. Here, we will discuss one pope who is not a saint as well as the future prospects for papal sainthood.
Pope John Paul II is one of the most beloved popes of modern times, but his path to sainthood has been fraught with controversy. While he is credited with guiding the Church through a period of great change, including the fall of communism and the Vatican II reforms, his legacy has also been tarnished by allegations of cover-ups and mishandling of sexual abuse scandals. It remains to be seen whether Pope John Paul II will be canonized in the future, as his complex legacy and the need for further investigation make it a difficult decision for the Church.
- The process of sainthood
- Potential future candidates for sainthood
- The role of politics and public opinion in canonization
Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that the Catholic Church has a long tradition of recognizing the holy men and women who have served as popes. In recent years, Pope Francis has taken steps to make the canonization process more transparent and accessible to the faithful, which may lead to more popes being recognized as saints in the future.
Additionally, there are several potential candidates for sainthood among the recent popes, including Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. Both men were instrumental in the Church’s modernization efforts and are widely recognized as having made significant contributions to the faith. However, their canonization processes have been complicated by questions about their political leanings and the role they played in Vatican II.
| Pope | Date of reign | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pope John Paul II | 1978-2005 | Not canonized |
| Pope John XXIII | 1958-1963 | Beatified (progressing toward sainthood) |
| Pope Paul VI | 1963-1978 | Beatified (progressing toward sainthood) |
In conclusion, the future prospects for papal sainthood remain uncertain, as the Church continues to grapple with its past and work towards greater transparency and accountability. While some popes may never be canonized due to their complicated legacies, there are still many more who have the potential to be recognized as saints in the future, pending further investigation and approval by the Church.
Which Pope is Not a Saint?
1. Are all popes automatically saints?
No, not all popes are automatically saints. The process of becoming a saint is separate from the office of the pope.
2. Which pope is not a saint?
Pope Formosus, who served as pope from 891 to 896, is not recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
3. Why is Pope Formosus not a saint?
Formosus was posthumously put on trial by his successor, Pope Stephen VI, who had his body exhumed and dressed in papal vestments. He was found guilty of various offenses, and his papacy was declared invalid. Later popes restored Formosus’ status, but he was never canonized as a saint.
4. How many popes are recognized as saints?
As of 2021, there are 83 popes who have been recognized as saints by the Catholic Church.
5. What is the process for a pope to become a saint?
A pope must go through the same canonization process as any other individual. This includes demonstrating heroic virtue, the performance of miracles, and formal recognition by the Catholic Church.
6. Are there any current popes who are considered for sainthood?
No, current popes are not considered for sainthood until after their death.
7. Can a pope be removed from sainthood?
Once a pope has been canonized as a saint, he cannot be removed from sainthood by any official means.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to learn about which pope is not a saint. While Pope Formosus is not recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, his legacy and contributions to the Church are still important. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please visit us again later.