There have been 266 popes in the history of the Catholic Church, from St. Peter, who is considered the first pope, up to Pope Francis, the current and 266th pope
. Some sources mention 267 popes due to including Stephen II, who died shortly after election but before consecration, but the official Vatican count is 266
. Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was the latest pope until his recent death in 2025
. The papacy spans over 2,000 years, with St. Peter traditionally regarded as the founder of the Church in Rome and the first pope
. In summary, the generally accepted number of popes is 266 according to the Vatican's official list.
