If you’re not Catholic, you probably don’t keep up with historical popes, and have never heard of Pope Joan, the only female pope. But if you are Catholic, it’s also likely you’ve never heard of Pope Joan. As the story goes, Joan was a talented woman who disguised herself as a man and fooled everyone long enough to rise through the ranks and be appointed as the head of the church, under the name Pope John VIII. She reigned for more than two years between 855 and 857. Her priestly vestments, even more elaborate as pontiff, hid her body from even those closest to her. At least one man knew of her true identity, though. Joan’s reign came to an abrupt end when she gave birth while walking through the streets of Rome in a procession! Joan died shortly afterward, and accounts vary on what happened to the child.
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But did it ever really happen? Joan, or John, does not appear in the official history of the papacy at all. If the story was true, there were plenty of reasons for the church to strike her from all records. But in fact, the first written account only appeared hundreds of years later. Still, it’s also a great story to pass along. Plus, it is thought of as an allegory, a warning for women to stay in their place. Most historians believe the tale of Pope Joan to be completely made up, but it won’t go away, even after a thousand years. Read about Pope Joan at Messy Nessy Chic.
Source: neatorama