By our Reporter
Following the death of Pope Francis which occurred on the Easter Monday 21st April 2025, our reporters dug in history to bring you the list of the longest serving Popes in the history of the Catholic Church. The four top the list of the 266 Popes that the Catholic church has had
When it comes to longevity in leadership, few institutions rival the Catholic Church, whose Popes have shepherded the faithful across centuries. But did you know who the longest-serving Pope in the history of the Church is? Here’s a fascinating look at the four longest-serving Popes, whose reigns not only shaped Church doctrine but also influenced world history.
1. POPE PIUS IX (1846 – 1878):
Topping the list is Pope Pius IX, who served an astonishing 31 years, 7 months, and 23 days. Elected in 1846, his papacy lasted until his death in 1878, making him the longest-reigning Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and the convening of the First Vatican Council (1869–1870), which defined papal infallibility. He also witnessed the loss of the Papal States as Italy unified, reducing the Pope’s temporal power.
POPE JOHN PAUL II (1978 – 2005):
A close second is the beloved Pope John Paul II, who served for 26 years, 5 months, and 17 days. His papacy began in 1978 and ended with his death in 2005. As the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, he brought a new global energy to the papacy. He traveled to more countries than any previous Pope, played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, and was a charismatic figure who connected with young people and believers across the globe.
3. POPE LEO XIII (1878 – 1903):
Next is Pope Leo XIII, who served for 25 years, 5 months, and 1 day. He ascended to the papacy in 1878, immediately after Pius IX, and led the Church until his death in 1903. Leo XIII is best known for his intellectual contributions and his social teachings, particularly the groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), which addressed the rights and duties of capital and labor, laying the foundation for modern Catholic social thought.
4. POPE PISU VI (1775 – 1799):
Completing the list is Pope Pius VI, whose papacy lasted 24 years, 6 months, and 15 days. He led the Church from 1775 until his death in 1799, a period of immense turmoil marked by the French Revolution. His opposition to the revolutionary reforms in France led to his imprisonment by French forces. Tragically, he died in exile in Valence, France — the only pope to die in captivity.
These four Popes stand out not only for the length of their service but also for the pivotal eras they guided the Church through. Their papacies are etched in history as periods of resilience, reform, and remarkable influence on both spiritual and global affairs. So, next time you’re pondering Church history, remember: longevity in the papacy often coincides with pivotal transformation — and sometimes, with extraordinary courage.
