List of sexually active popes

This is a list of sexually active popes, Catholic priests who were sexually active before becoming pope, and popes who were legally married. Some candidates were sexually active before their election as pope, and others were accused of being sexually active during their papacies. Such relationships were often undertaken outside the bond of matrimony and each sexual act thus committed is considered a mortal sin by the Catholic Church. The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing any sanctioned married priesthood.

List of sexually active popes

This is a list of sexually active popes, Catholic priests who were sexually active before becoming pope, and popes who were legally married. Some candidates were sexually active before their election as pope, and others were accused of being sexually active during their papacies. Such relationships were often undertaken outside the bond of matrimony and each sexual act thus committed is considered a mortal sin by the Catholic Church. The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing any sanctioned married priesthood.