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Pope Joan ( Ioannes Anglicus, 855–857) was, according to legend, a woman who reigned as pope for two years [1] during the Middle Ages. Her story first appeared in chronicles in the 13th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe.
Pope Joan, legendary female pontiff who supposedly reigned for more than 25 months, from 855 to 858, under the title of John VIII. It has subsequently been proved that a gap of only a few weeks fell between Pope Leo IV and Pope Benedict III and that the story is entirely apocryphal.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Jun 10, 2015 · As the story goes, this “Pope Joan” was a young woman who disguised herself as a man and entered into religious training. After distinguishing herself as a scholar, she rose through the church...
Oct 22, 2020 · The scandalous story of a female pope named Joan arose in the Middle Ages, saying she gained her role in disguise and lost it when she unexpectedly gave birth. The origins of the Papacy are traditionally traced to St. Peter, one of the original disciples of Jesus.
- Dhwty
We’re talking about the legend of Pope Joan, allegedly the only female pope to exist. The story of Pope Joan is considered by most to be a work of fiction, but that hasn’t stopped some from believing that she was a genuine leader of the Church who was effectively erased from history.
May 5, 2022 · Pope Joan was a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. After her story was popularized by Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), a statue of her was placed alongside those of other popes at Siena Cathedral.
Feb 18, 2019 · It is likely, however, that the women were connected to as many as four popes of the era: mistresses, wives, and even mothers. Thus, while there may not have been an actual Pope Joan in the 9th century, women did exercise extraordinary influence over the papacy for a time during the 10th.
