Our current pope, Pope Francis, who began his papacy in 2013, is widely respected for his down-to-earth approach and advocacy for social justice.
He has spoken out against economic inequality, championed the rights of marginalized communities, and taken a more compassionate stance on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, divorce, and climate change — making him especially popular among younger generations.
But while Pope Francis has won hearts with his humility, the Catholic Church’s history isn’t all peace and goodwill. Over the centuries, some popes have been embroiled in scandals so shocking they sound like plotlines from a medieval drama—except they really happened.
From murder and bribery to the downright bizarre—like putting a dead pope on trial—these infamous leaders left a dark stain on church history.
Inspired by a BBC article, here are eight of the most scandalous popes, remembered for all the wrong reasons.
1. Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503)
Born as: Rodrigo Borgia (Spain, 1431)
The Borgia name became synonymous with corruption thanks to Alexander VI.
Rumors say he bribed his way into the papacy, assassinated rivals, and appointed family members to powerful positions. He also had multiple mistresses and fathered several children.
His scandalous reign inspired TV shows and historical dramas for good reason.
2. Pope Stephen VI (896-897)
Birth name and date unknown
Stephen VI is responsible for one of the most disturbing events in church history — the Cadaver Synod.
Months after his predecessor, Pope Formosus, died, Stephen dug up the rotting corpse, dressed it in papal robes, and put it on trial. The dead pope was found guilty, stripped of his title, and his body was thrown into the Tiber River.
Not long after, Stephen was strangled to death by his enemies.
3. Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303)
Born as: Benedetto Caetani (Rome, 1235)
Boniface VIII was a ruthless power-hungry pope who fought with King Philip IV of France and even exiled the poet Dante Alighieri, who later placed him in the eighth circle of Hell in Inferno. He declared himself supreme over all European rulers, sparking outrage.
His enemies eventually captured him, and he died soon after.
Miniature manuscript illumination of Pope Alexander VI. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
4. Pope Urban VI (1378-1389)
Born as: Bartolomeo Prignano (Naples, 1318)
Urban VI’s reign split the church in two, leading to the Western Schism, when three men claimed to be pope at the same time. He was also violent, ordering the murder of cardinals who opposed him.
Some reports claim he complained that their screams weren’t loud enough.
5. Pope Leo X (1513-1521)
Born as: Giovanni de’ Medici (Florence, 1475)
A member of the wealthy Medici family, Pope Leo X spent lavishly on Renaissance art and drove the church into financial ruin.
To refill church funds, he sold indulgences, allowing people to buy forgiveness for sins. This led to Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and the Protestant Reformation, which permanently divided Christianity.
6. Pope John XII (955-964)
Born as: Ottaviano (Rome, 937)
At just 18 years old, John XII became one of the youngest and most scandalous popes in history.
His papal palace was compared to a wild frat party, filled with gambling, affairs, and debauchery. He allegedly died of a stroke while in bed with another man’s wife.
7. Pope Benedict IX (1032-1048, multiple terms)
Born as: Theophylactus (Rome, 1012)
Benedict IX was so corrupt that he sold the papacy—not once, but twice. His violent reign sparked riots, forcing him to flee Rome. He later returned and seized power again, only to be chased out once more by German forces.
Future popes called him a “demon from hell”.
8. Pope Sergius III (904-911)
Birth date unknown
Sergius III came to power through murder—he ordered the execution of a rival pope. He was also allegedly the father of a future pope, John XI, born from his affair with a Roman noblewoman.
His rule was so corrupt that historians consider it part of the "Dark Age of the Papacy."
These popes abused their power, engaged in shocking scandals, and left a lasting stain on the church’s history. While modern papacy has evolved, these stories serve as a reminder of a time when popes acted more like kings and warlords than religious leaders.
