Did a Woman Really Become Pope? Unraveling the Pope Joan Legend

The Enigmatic Tale of Pope Joan

Imagine a woman disguising herself as a man, rising through the ranks of the Catholic Church, and becoming pope in the 9th century. This is the captivating story of Pope Joan, a legend that has intrigued historians, feminists, and storytellers for centuries. But is the Pope Joan legend fact or fiction? In this post, we’ll dive into the origins, evidence, and cultural significance of this medieval mystery, exploring whether a woman could have defied the odds to sit on the papal throne.

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What Is the Pope Joan Legend?

The Pope Joan legend claims that a woman, often named Johannes Anglicus, disguised herself as a man to pursue education and an ecclesiastical career in the 9th century. According to the story, her intellect and charisma led her to Rome, where she was elected pope around 855–858 under the name John VIII. The tale takes a dramatic turn when her gender was allegedly revealed during a public procession, where she gave birth, leading to her downfall.

Key elements of the legend include:

Disguise and Ambition: Joan’s determination to overcome gender barriers by posing as a man.
Papal Reign: A supposed two-year pontificate before her exposure.
Controversial End: Stories vary, claiming she died in childbirth, was stoned, or was deposed.

While the story is compelling, most historians dismiss it as a myth. Let’s explore its origins and why it persists.

Origins of the Pope Joan Myth

The earliest written reference to a female pope appears in the 13th-century Chronica Universalis Mettensis by Jean de Mailly, who describes a woman pope around 1099 without naming her. The most influential account came from Martin of Troppau’s Chronicon Pontificum et Imperatorum (c. 1277), which names her Johannes Anglicus and sets her reign in 855–858. This version, widely circulated, popularized the legend across Europe.

Why did the story emerge? Scholars suggest several possibilities:

Satire or Polemic: The tale may have been a medieval parody or anti-papal propaganda, later mistaken as fact.
Folklore Influence: Roman statues or myths about influential women might have inspired the story.
Gender Anxieties: The legend could reflect medieval fears about women transgressing societal roles.

By the 14th century, the story was widely accepted, appearing in works by Giovanni Boccaccio and even referenced at the Council of Constance (1415). However, no 9th-century records mention Joan, raising doubts about her existence.

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Is There Evidence for Pope Joan?

The female Pope myth lacks contemporary evidence, leading most historians to classify it as fiction. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence—or lack thereof:

Arguments Against Pope Joan’s Existence

Timeline Conflicts: Papal records show Leo IV died in July 855, followed by Benedict III by September 855, leaving no room for Joan’s alleged reign. The Liber Pontificalis, the official papal chronicle, omits her entirely.
Late Documentation: The first accounts appear 400 years after the supposed events, suggesting a later invention.
Debunking Efforts: Scholars like Florimond de Raemond (1587) and David Blondel (17th century) dismantled the legend, and Pope Clement VIII declared it untrue in 1601.

Arguments Supporting the Legend

Coin Evidence: In 2018, archaeologist Michael E. Habicht suggested that distinct monograms on coins attributed to Pope John VIII (856–858) might indicate a separate pontiff, possibly Joan. This theory remains speculative and controversial.
Cultural Artifacts: Medieval references, such as a bust in Siena Cathedral (later removed) and the Vicus Papissa street in Rome, suggest belief in the story.
Persistent Belief: The legend’s widespread acceptance until the 17th century implies some basis, even if exaggerated.

Despite these points, the lack of 9th-century sources makes Joan’s existence unlikely. As historian Thomas Noble notes, she is “a woman who never lived but who nevertheless refuses to die.”

Cultural Impact and Modern Interpretations

The Pope Joan legend has left a lasting mark on literature, art, and feminist discourse:

Literature: Donna Woolfolk Cross’s Pope Joan: A Novel (1996) brought the story to modern audiences, blending historical detail with fiction. The 2009 film adaptation further popularized it.
Feminist Symbol: Joan represents a woman defying patriarchal constraints, resonating with contemporary debates about women in religious leadership.
Protestant Propaganda: During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther used the story to criticize the Catholic Church.

Today, the legend inspires novels, plays, and even video games, keeping Joan’s story alive.

For a scholarly exploration, consider The Legend of Pope Joan: In Search of the Truth by Peter Stanford (affiliate link) on Amazon.

Why Does the Pope Joan Legend Endure?

The Pope Joan myth captivates because it challenges norms and invites speculation. It raises questions about gender, power, and the Church’s history, making it a timeless tale. Whether you see Joan as a feminist icon or a medieval fable, her story sparks curiosity and debate.

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Fact, Fiction, or Something In Between?

The Pope Joan legend is likely a myth, born from satire or folklore, with no solid evidence to confirm a female pope in the 9th century. Yet, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke thought and inspire stories. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of gripping tales, Pope Joan’s story is worth exploring.

What do you think—could a woman have pulled off such a deception? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

References

Boureau, Alain. The Myth of Pope Joan. University of Chicago Press, 2001.
Noble, Thomas F.X. “Why Pope Joan?” Catholic Historical Review, 2013.
Stanford, Peter. The Legend of Pope Joan: In Search of the Truth. Berkley Books, 2000.
Cross, Donna Woolfolk. Pope Joan: A Novel. Ballantine Books, 1996.
Habicht, Michael E. Papal Monograms and the Question of Pope Joan. 2018. (German language)