Professor Kristina Sessa, an historian of Late Antiquity, presents her top 10 popes based on overall historical significance, appetite for intrigue, and messy electoral politics.

Written and narrated by Dr. Kristina Sessa. Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. A textual version of this video is available at https://origins.osu.edu/read/top-ten-popes-1500.

10. St. Peter (01:42)

9. Alexander VI (03:08)

8. Symmachus and Laurentius (04:05)

7. Damasus (05:16)

6. Boniface VIII (06:07)

5. Silvester I (06:50

4. Gregory I (07:49)

3. Vigilius (08:30)

2. Gregory VII (09:31)

1. John Anglicus, aka “Pope Joan” (10:07)

This is a production of Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective at the Goldberg Center in the Department of History at The Ohio State University and the Department of History at Miami University. Be sure to subscribe to our channel to receive updates about our videos and podcasts. For more information about Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective, please visit origins.osu.edu.