MyCatholicSource.com: 'Quick Help' Page

My Catholic Source.com^™ 'Volunteer Live Chat'

'Quick Help' Page: Was There Ever A "Pope Joan"?

My Catholic Source.com Home | Index of QH Pages | Help For QH Pages | Site Help | Search | FAQs | Terms of Use | Notice: This is a sponsored page.**

Click Here For Important Information Regarding This Site | Keep Us Online

Related Terms...

'Pope Joan'

'Pope Joanna'

Myth of Pope Joan

'Woman Pope'

'Female Pope'

Woman Disguised as a Man

Female Disguised as a Male

Help For 'Quick Help' Pages

Submit Comment About This Page

Need More Help?

Inappropriate Term?

Click the button below to display this page's URL and copy it into your clipboard for sharing...

Click Here For More Information

Troubleshooting

Need More Help?

Try Searching MyCatholicSource.com

Click Here to Request a New 'Quick Help' Page OR to Submit a Comment/Suggestion

Thank You For Your Feedback!

Question / Issue:

Was there ever a "Pope Joan"?

Answer / Resources:

[click link(s) below, as applicable]

No. This is believed to be "at first a satire, but later accepted as true." The story claims that a woman was elected pope (they thought she was a man) and that her true identity was not discovered until she suddenly, and publicly, gave birth. Often mentioned by anti-Catholics of modern times (and formerly believed by some Catholics), this story can be easily disproved, as the years of her supposed "reign" are all accounted for by legitimate (male!) popes. Even non-Catholic historians reject the "Pope Joan" story (or stories, since there is more than one version of the tale).

Note: Of course it is impossible for a woman to become pope. A legitimate pope would have received Holy Orders, which is not possible for a female to receive (see here).

Reminder: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. All applicable items may be subject to change at any time without notice. Utilize any link(s) appearing on this page at your own risk. For more terms information, see "Important Notice" below.

Other Resources:

[click link(s) below, as applicable]

Pope (Topic Page)

Catholic History (Topic Page)

Catholic Apologetics (Topic Page)

Also Try:

[click link(s) below, as applicable]

More 'Quick Help' Pages:

A-Z Index | By Category

Help For 'Quick Help' Pages

Submit Comment About This Page

Thousands Of Catholic Topics

Guide To My Catholic Source.com

Search My Catholic Source.com

Request New 'Quick Help' Page

Other Catholic Web Links (Topic Page)

Share This Page | Search Site

(after clicking above, see left)

(donate by mail)

Please Help!

Great Catholic Books & Ebooks!

Great Catholic Apps!

Referral/Incentive Program - Shop At Other Sites To Support This Site!

Note: For pricing, availability, shipping, product & seller info. click links below

Catechism of the Council of Trent [Book] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Catholic Statues [Amazon Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Scapulars [Amazon Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Rosary [Amazon Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Catholic Bracelets [Amazon Jewelry Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Crucifix [Amazon Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Catholic Medals [Amazon Jewelry Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Crucifixes [Amazon Jewelry Search] (Click to buy & for more info.)

Support This Site Via Purchases on Amazon.com!

Thousands More Items To Choose From! - Click Here To Shop

Report Problem With Link

Commercial / Sponsored Messages...**

Notice: Clicking image/links above leaves this site. We do not recommend any website/product/service/seller/etc.

Reminder: Available items may differ from those pictured above.

More Information | Problem With Link?

Thanks For Visiting My Catholic Source.com!

** Page may contain third party advertisement(s) in any location. We are not responsible for content. Not an endorsement.

Important Notice: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. Items herein may not be comprehensive, may not be current, may be subject to change at any time without notice, may not apply to all persons, may be subjective / debatable / erroneous, etc. Interpretation and application of items herein should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take items out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable/incautious or inappropriate/drastic actions, or take figurative items literally. Inclusion of any item herein does not imply endorsement. Clicking on a third party link leaves our site. We are not responsible for any third party site / product / service / content / etc. Third parties may not be Catholic. All use of this site is at your own risk and is subject to our terms of use. By using this site you indicate agreement to all terms. For terms information, click here.

MyCatholicSource.com ^™, MyCatholicSource.org ^™, CatholicCommunityCenter.com ^™, CatholicCommunityCenter.org ^™, BFSMedia ^™, BFSApps ^™, and other indicated & related items are trademarks of B.F.S.

MyCatholicSource.com, BFSApps, and BFSMedia are divisions of B.F.S.

Copyright © 2001-2025, B.F.S. All Rights Reserved.

Top | My Catholic Source.com Home | Help | Search | Commercial Sections | Provide Feedback About 'Quick Help' Pages | Terms of Use