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This is a list of sexually active popes, Catholic priests who were not celibate before they became pope, and popes who were legally married. Some candidates were sexually active before their election as pope, and others were accused of being sexually active during their papacies. A number of them had offspring. The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood. Sexual relationships were generally undertaken therefore outside the bond of matrimony and each sexual act thus committed is considered a mortal sin by the Roman Catholic Church.

There are various classifications for those who were sexually active at some time during their lives. Periods in parentheses refer to the years of their papacies.

Background [ edit ]

For many years of the Church's history, celibacy was considered optional. Based on the customs of the times, it is assumed by many that most of the Apostles, such as Peter, were married and had families. It is clear from the New Testament (Mk 1:29–31; Mt 8:14–15; Lk 4:38–39; 1 Tim 3:2, 12; Tit 1:6) that at least Peter had been married, and that bishops, presbyters and deacons of the Early Church were often married as well. It is also clear from epigraphy, the testimony of the Church Fathers, synodal legislation, papal decretals and other sources[not specific enough to verify] that in the following centuries a married clergy, in greater or lesser numbers, was a normal feature of the life of the Church. Celibacy was not required for those ordained, but still was a discipline that could be practised in the early Church, particularly by those in the monastic life.

Although various local Church councils had demanded celibacy of the clergy in a particular area,[1] it was not until the Second Lateran Council (1139) that the whole of the Latin (Western) Rite of the Catholic Church decided to accept people for ordination only after they had taken a promise of celibacy. This applied to the leadership of the Church.[2]

Popes who were legally married [ edit ]

Fathered illegitimate children before holy orders [ edit ]

Known to, or suspected of having fathered illegitimate children after receiving holy orders [ edit ]

Relationships with women [ edit ]

Relationships with women and men [ edit ]

Name Reign Relationship Offspring Notes Julius II (1503–1513) Not married Yes (three daughters) Three illegitimate daughters, one of whom was Felice della Rovere (born in 1483, twenty years before his election as pope, but twelve years after his enthronement as bishop of Lausanne).[25] The schismatic Conciliabulum of Pisa, which sought to depose him in 1511, also accused him of being a sodomite.[26]

Popes alleged to be sexually active during pontificate [ edit ]

Relationships with women [ edit ]

Relationships with men [ edit ]

Relationships with women and men [ edit ]

Name Reign Relationship Offspring Notes Benedict IX (1032– became pope in 1044, again in 1045 and finally 1047–1048). Not married No Accused by Bishop Benno of Piacenza of "many vile adulteries."[55][56] Pope Victor III referred in his third book of Dialogues to "his rapes... and other unspeakable acts."[57] His life prompted Peter Damian to write an extended treatise against illicit sex in general, and homosexuality in particular. In his Liber Gomorrhianus, Damian accused Benedict IX of routine sodomy and bestiality and sponsoring orgies.[58][ verification needed ] In May 1045, Benedict IX resigned his office to get married.[59]

See also [ edit ]

Notes [ edit ]

References [ edit ]