



Pope Urban VII reigned for 13 calendar days in 1590, the shortest papal tenure in history. With the resignation of Pope Benedict, take a look at history's shortest-reigning popes. You can also view our list of the longest-reigning popes. Pope Urban VII reigned for 13 calendar days in 1590, the shortest papal tenure in history. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Boniface VI reigned for 16 days in the year 896.

Pope Celestine IV reigned for 17 days and died before consecration in 1241. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Theodore II reigned for 20 days in 897. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Sisinnius reigned for 21 days in 708. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Marcellus II reigned for 22 days in 1555. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Damasus II reigned for 24 days in 1048. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Pius III reigned for 27 days in 1503. Emory University

Pope Leo XI also reigned for 27 days in 1605. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Pope Benedict V was the first to reign for 33 days in 964. Hulton Archive/Getty Images