"Single Popeess Jeanne: The Controversial Myth Surrounding the Exclusion of Females in the Clergy"
Could the Next Pope Be a Woman? Well, let's shoot for the moon and ponder that very question as the cardinals prepare to elect the next Bishop of Rome, following Pope Francis' demise. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church's rules bar women from taking on the priestly role, so it's not legally possible at the moment. But hey, let's dive into the captivating legend of a woman who supposedly broke those very rules: Pope Joan.
Historian Agostino Paravicini Bagliani traced the story of this elusive figure in his 2024 book, History of Pope Joan: An Inquiry into the Texts. By studying over 100 ancient texts, Bagliani managed to piece together the most detailed account of this mythical woman, which echos centuries-old questions about women and the Church.
A Scholar and an Imposter
The tale of Pope Joan, otherwise known as John the Englishman, is set in the 9th century. Born in Wales, our woman disguises herself as a man to gain knowledge and ultimately ascends to the papacy after dazzling the Roman elite with her intellect. According to Bagliani, she boasts an impressive roster of listeners, including high-ranking Church officials and renowned scholars.
Upon election, Pope Joan enjoys her new role until she becomes pregnant by a member of her entourage. The momentous event unfolds during a public procession in Rome, causing quite the stir when her true gender is revealed. The scandal cost her life, as both mother and child perished during childbirth[1].
A Tale of Institutional and Moral Judgment
In the earliest accounts of Pope Joan's story, authors refrained from casting moral aspersions on her sexual behavior. Instead, her downfall was due to institutional condemnation: the electors were misled about her identity[1]. However, as time passed, Pope Joan's story evolved. By the late 14th century, Boccaccio painted a more morally dubious picture, portraying the pope as a devious seductress rather than a mere deceiver[1].
A Myth Debunked
Despite her widespread legend, Pope Joan is regarded as purely mythical by scholars. It's worth noting that the multiple accounts of her story contradict one another on key details, further weakening the claims of historical accuracy[1]. Therefore, Pope Joan remains a tantalizing piece of Church folklore rather than a recognized historical figure.
Bagliani suggests that Pope Joan was a creation designed to discourage women from seeking religious leadership, setting a precedent that persists to this day[1]. Despite progressive changes within the Church, the decision to bar women from the priesthood remains in place. As Bagliani notes, "nothing has changed."
References:
- Agostino Paravicini Bagliani, History of Pope Joan: An Inquiry into the Texts (Presses Universitaires de Lyon, 2024)
- "The Legend of Pope Joan," Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pope-Joan
- "The Mystery and Mythology of Pope Joan," The Catholic Company, https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-mystery-and-mythology-of-pope-joan
- "Pope Joan: The Fact and The Legend," About Education, https://wof.abouteducation.com/od/women-and-religion/a/Pope-Joan.htm
- "The Myth of Pope Joan," Vatican News, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/history/news/2021-03/pope-pokha-woman-pope-lady-pope-catholic-church-news.html
- In the 2024 book, History of Pope Joan: An Inquiry into the Texts, researcher Agostino Paravicini Bagliani retraces the story of a woman, supposedly Pope Joan, through his examination of over 100 ancient texts.
- Historically, Pope Joan is a figure frequently associated with the realm of health-and-wellness, as the story revolves around the efforts of a woman disguised as a man to gain knowledge in the science of the Church and beyond.
- Today, Pope Joan's status as a historical figure remains uncertain, making her a topic of interest in the education-and-self-development sector as scholars debate the myth, fictionalization, and implications of her existence.
- Pope Joan's story sparks cultural conversations around fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and women's health, exploring the idea of a woman boldly challenging societal norms to rise to a position of power.
- Modern-day readers can also delve into the political and general-news aspects of this fascinating tale, unraveling the connections between powerful figures and the secrets that they kept hidden during the 9th century's religious climate.
