5 Shortest papacies in history, even shorter than John Paul I

As Pope Francis marks his 12th anniversary as pontiff, he reaches a significant milestone: his tenure now draws close to aligning with the average length of papacies since the 1800s — around 11 to 12 years. While some popes, like Pius IX, have served for decades, others have held office for only a matter of days.

Throughout history, several popes have had remarkably brief reigns -- due to illness, political turmoil, or sudden death. These short-lived pontificates serve as a reminder of the fragility of human institutions (or even human-divine ones!), where leadership can change in an instant, often with far-reaching consequences.

Here are the five shortest papal reigns in history.

1. Pope Urban VII (1590) – 13 Days

Pope Urban VII holds the record for the shortest papacy, lasting just 13 days before dying of malaria on September 27, 1590. Though his reign was brief, he left a unique mark by introducing what is considered the world’s first public smoking ban, forbidding tobacco use in or near churches under threat of excommunication.

2. Pope Boniface VI (896) – 15 Days

Elected in April 896, Pope Boniface VI reigned for about 15 days during a period of great instability in the Church. Records from this time are scarce, but some sources suggest his election may have been controversial, as he had previously been removed from the priesthood twice.

3. Pope Celestine IV (1241) – 17 Days

Pope Celestine IV was elected on October 25, 1241, but passed away just 17 days later, likely due to pre-existing health issues. His election followed months of political deadlock among the cardinals, and he died before he could even be consecrated, making his tenure one of the most uneventful in papal history.

4. Pope Theodore II (897) – 20 Days

Despite reigning for only about 20 days in December 897, Pope Theodore II made a lasting impact. He restored clergy who had been unjustly deposed and reburied Pope Formosus with dignity after his corpse had been exhumed and put on trial in the infamous “Cadaver Synod.” His sudden death cut short any further reforms.

5. Pope Leo XI (1605) – 27 Days

Elected on April 1, 1605, Pope Leo XI died just 27 days later, earning him the nickname Papa Lampo (“Lightning Pope”). A member of the powerful Medici family, he had played a significant role in strengthening relations between the papacy and France, but his frail health prevented him from leaving a greater legacy.

These brief pontificates highlight the unpredictability of the papal office. While modern popes benefit from advancements in healthcare and more stable governance, the role remains physically and spiritually demanding. The stories of these short reigns serve as a reminder that each pope, regardless of tenure, faces unique challenges in leading the Church.

As Pope Francis reaches the typical length of a modern papacy, history shows that while some popes have years to shape their legacy, others have only days — yet all are called to serve with the time they are given.