With the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025, the Roman Catholic Church entered a period of transition, marking the end of a papacy that had reshaped the global Church.
Pope Francis, known for his humility, progressive views on social justice, and dedication to reform, left a profound legacy that continues to influence the Church's direction.
His death has prompted reflection on the history of the papacy, a lineage that spans over two millennia. This list of popes highlights the key figures who have led the Church through times of both challenge and triumph, shaping its teachings, political influence, and global impact.
Early Popes
The first pope, Saint Peter, served as the Bishop of Rome and is considered the first pope by the Catholic Church. He was followed by a line of popes, most of whom are saints in Catholic tradition. These early popes were often martyrs, such as Pope Clement I (who served around 88-99 AD) and Pope Sixtus II (257–258 AD), who were martyred for their faith.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the Papacy became a powerful political and religious institution. Pope Gregory I (590–604), also known as Gregory the Great, helped spread Christianity throughout Europe and laid the foundation for the church’s governance. Pope Leo III (795–816) crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, which marked a significant union of the Church and secular power.
The Papacy continued to grow in influence during the Middle Ages, especially during the time of the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), when several popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. Pope Gregory XI returned the papal seat to Rome, ending the Avignon period.
The Renaissance and Early Modern Period
The Renaissance saw the Papacy at the height of its power and wealth, especially under popes like Pope Julius II (1503–1513), who commissioned the Sistine Chapel ceiling to be painted by Michelangelo. Pope Leo X (1513–1521) is famous for his role in the early stages of the Protestant Reformation and his indulgence sales, which led to Martin Luther's protests.
The Reformation led to conflicts between the Catholic Church and Protestant movements, and popes such as Pope Paul III (1534–1549) played a role in countering Protestantism through the Council of Trent (1545–1563), which sought to address issues of church reform and doctrine.
Modern Popes
In more recent centuries, the papacy has played a significant role in global politics, social issues, and interfaith dialogue. Pope Pius IX (1846–1878) is known for defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and for his long papacy, the longest in history.
The 20th century brought notable changes, especially with Pope John XXIII (1958–1963), who called the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), a historic event that modernized many aspects of the Church, including its relationship with other religions and its approach to the modern world.
Pope John Paul II (1978–2005) is one of the most influential popes in recent history. He traveled extensively, played a pivotal role in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, and was instrumental in promoting human rights and interfaith dialogue. His successor, Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013), known for his theological conservatism, was the first pope to resign in almost 600 years, citing health reasons.
Pope Francis (2013–2025), has brought significant change with his focus on humility, social justice, environmental issues, and dialogue with other faiths. He is the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, hailing from Argentina. His papacy has seen increased attention on issues like poverty, migration, and climate change.
How to Make Such a List of Popes
EdrawMax is a powerful tool that can help you visually organize and present complex information in a clear and appealing way. Whether you’re working on historical timelines, lists, or other visual projects, EdrawMax makes it easy to create professional diagrams. Here's how you can use it to create a structured "List of Popes" to showcase the papacy's evolution over time.
Open EdrawMax and Choose a Template
Start by opening EdrawMax and selecting a suitable template for your project. A list or timeline template would work well for a "List of Popes" as it allows for easy organization of data in a linear or hierarchical manner.
Add Popes and Their Details
Begin by creating a frame or a shape for each pope. Fpr each box, add a profile photo, papacy dates, key accomplishments, and other notable information such as historical events or reforms. EdrawMax provides a variety of shapes and icons that you can customize to add icons, colors, or images for better visual impact.
Organize the Timeline or Categories
You can group popes by different historical periods (e.g., Early Popes, Renaissance, Modern Popes) to make the list more structured. This could be done using connecting lines or different layers to distinguish time periods visually.
Add Details and Annotations
For each pope, you can add text annotations or links to additional resources, like specific papal encyclicals or events they were involved in. This will help in providing extra information without overcrowding the design.
Customize the Design
EdrawMax allows you to customize your design with fonts, colors, and backgrounds to match the theme of the content. Choose a classic color scheme or a more modern style based on your preference.
Export and Share
Once you’re satisfied with your list, you can export it in various formats (e.g., PDF, PNG, or JPEG) for easy sharing or printing. EdrawMax also supports cloud saving for collaboration.
