Stories of Popes Throughout History Who Were Not Celibate in 30 Photos

From Saint Peter to Pope John Paul II, history shows that not every pontiff lived in perfect celibacy. These 30 photos reveal the stories of popes whose personal lives, marriages, and scandals broke with expectations. Since the earliest days of the Church, the private lives of popes have not always aligned with the image of strict celibacy. This collection of photos highlights the human side of the papacy — moments of love, loss, and controversy that show how even the world's most powerful religious leaders were not immune to personal struggles and relationships. 1. Saint PeterSaint Peter, widely acknowledged as the very first bishop of Rome, is believed to have been married — a fact many modern Catholics may find surprising. In 1 Corinthians 9:5, Paul notes that several apostles, includin