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Who Was The Best Pope?

Vote for the most influential and impactful Pope in history, considering their contributions to religion, global affairs, and legacy.

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Who Was The Best Pope?

St. Peter (Simon Peter)

St. Peter's teachings centered on his unique authority and leadership role among the Apostles, as Christ designated him the "rock" upon which the Church would be built and conferred upon him the "keys to the kingdom of heaven," establishing the Primacy of Peter. This divine commission is seen as the …

Universally recognized as the foremost leader among the Twelve Apostles following Christ's Ascension, St. Peter guided the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem and made key early decisions. He undertook extensive missionary journeys, preaching the Gospel and establishing Christian communities, with tradition strongly linking him to the founding of the Churches …

AD 30 - AD 64/68

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Pope Pius IX (Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti)

After extensive consultation, Pope Pius IX solemnly defined ex cathedra the dogma of the Immaculate Conception (Ineffabilis Deus, 1854), stating Mary was preserved free from original sin from her conception. During the First Vatican Council, the dogma of papal infallibility (Pastor Aeternus, 1870) was defined, holding that the Pope is …

Pope Pius IX convened the First Vatican Council (1869-1870), which, though prematurely suspended, formally defined papal primacy and infallibility, profoundly shaping modern Catholic ecclesiology and strengthening papal authority. His pontificate, lasting over 31 years, is the longest confirmed papal reign, allowing him sustained influence during a critical transition period. Beyond …

16 June 1846 – 7 February 1878

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Pope Innocent XI (Benedetto Odescalchi)

Pope Innocent XI issued strong condemnations of moral laxism (notably in Sanctissimus Dominus, 1679), promoting stricter moral standards. He encouraged frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion, emphasizing the Eucharist as a source of spiritual strength (1679). He staunchly opposed Gallicanism and royal absolutism, annulling the Gallican Articles (1682) promulgated …

Pope Innocent XI immediately focused on moral and financial reform of the Papal Curia, combating nepotism and promoting austerity; his prudent financial management eliminated the papal deficit and created a surplus used for charity and defending Christendom. He played a pivotal diplomatic and financial role in forming the Holy League …

21 September 1676 – 12 August 1689

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Pope St. Leo III

Pope St. Leo III clearly affirmed the Western theological understanding of the Filioque clause, declaring the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father and the Son as a matter of faith. However, he demonstrated pastoral prudence by not officially inserting the clause into the Nicene Creed for universal liturgical use, instead …

The most historic achievement of Pope St. Leo III was the coronation of Charlemagne as Roman Emperor on Christmas Day, 800, an act that revived the Western Roman Empire, forged a powerful papacy-Frankish alliance, and reshaped Europe. He survived a violent attack and attempted deposition by Roman nobles in 799, …

26 December 795 – 12 June 816

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Pope St. Leo I "the Great"

Pope St. Leo I's teachings prominently featured his clear articulation of Christological doctrine in the Tome of Leo, which refuted Monophysitism by asserting Christ's two natures (fully divine and fully human) in one person. He vigorously promoted papal primacy based on Petrine succession, describing the Pope as Peter's unworthy heir …

Pope St. Leo I's Tome was acclaimed at the Council of Chalcedon (451), establishing his Christological formulation as orthodox and significantly enhancing papal authority in doctrinal matters. He famously persuaded Attila the Hun to spare Rome in 452, greatly elevating the papacy's moral prestige. He also intervened with the Vandal …

29 September 440 – 10 November 461

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