7 Worst Popes in History

The Catholic Church has had over 260 popes in its 2,000-year history. Many have been hailed as spiritual reformers, saints, and peacemakers.

But not all wore the white robes with honour. Some popes became infamous for scandals, violence, and behavior that shocked even their own time.

Here’s a list of seven popes widely regarded as the worst in history — and why their legacies still raise eyebrows today.

1. Pope John XII (955–964): The Teenage Tyrant

At just 18 years old, John XII became pope — and quickly turned the Vatican into his personal playground.

He was accused of hosting wild orgies, gambling in church, and even toasting pagan gods during dice games.

His end? Some say he died of a stroke while in bed with another man’s wife.

2. Pope Benedict IX (1032–1048): The One Who Sold the Papacy

One of the only people in history to be pope three separate times, Benedict IX’s papacy was marked by scandal and disgrace.

He allegedly committed rape and murder — and then sold the papacy to his godfather so he could get married.

Yes, he literally sold the title of pope.

3. Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503): The Borgia Pope

From the powerful and scandalous Borgia family, Alexander VI openly fathered multiple children, practiced blatant nepotism, and was rumoured to have poisoned his enemies.

His daughter Lucrezia Borgia and his political scheming made his court feel more like a mafia family than a religious institution.

4. Pope Leo X (1513–1521): The Pope Who Triggered the Reformation

Known for his love of luxury, Leo X famously said, “God has given us the papacy, let us enjoy it.” To pay for his lavish lifestyle and the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, he sold indulgences — payments for forgiveness.

This act directly inspired Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and kicked off the Protestant Reformation.

5. Pope Stephen VI (896–897): The One Who Put a Dead Pope on Trial

In one of the most bizarre episodes in church history, Stephen VI had the corpse of his predecessor Pope Formosus dug up, dressed in papal robes, and put on trial.

This “Cadaver Synod” ended with the body being thrown into the Tiber River. Unsurprisingly, public outrage followed — and Stephen was later killed in prison.

6. Pope Urban VI (1378–1389): The Violent Reformer

Initially seen as a strict reformer, Urban VI became increasingly paranoid. He was known to physically assault cardinals and had several of them tortured and executed when they challenged his authority.

His erratic rule helped spark the Western Schism — a decades-long crisis with more than one pope claiming power.

7. Pope Sergius III (904–911): The Start of the Papal “Pornocracy”

Sergius III came to power after having his rival pope murdered. He then had a child with his teenage mistress, Marozia, who later controlled Rome and the Vatican through a series of puppet popes.

His reign began what historians call the Saeculum Obscurum — a “dark age” when popes were controlled by powerful Roman families.