Introduction
The legend of Pope Joan tells of a woman who allegedly disguised herself as a man and became Pope in the Middle Ages. The Catholic Church denies the story, calling it a myth, but it continues to fuel debates on church history and gender.
Origins
First appearing in 13th-century chronicles, the story was widely believed by some Europeans into the Renaissance. Skeptics note there is no reliable contemporary evidence.
Key Examples
- References in art, popular fiction, and anti-Catholic tracts.
- Theory that the papal “test” for new popes was created in response.
- Used in discussions of women’s roles in religion.
Critical Analysis
Most historians reject the literal existence of Pope Joan, viewing it as legend or satire with political motives.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Donna Woolfolk Cross – “Pope Joan” – Three Rivers Press, 2009. Cross, Pope Joan. Three Rivers, 2009.
- Lawrence Durrell – “Pope Joan” – Dutton, 1954. Durrell, Pope Joan. Dutton, 1954.
- Michael Barkun – “A Culture of Conspiracy” – University of California Press, 2013. Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy. UCP, 2013.
- Jan Harold Brunvand – “Encyclopedia of Urban Legends” – W.W. Norton, 2001. Brunvand, Encyclopedia of Urban Legends. Norton, 2001.
- Peter Stanford – “The She-Pope: A Quest for the Truth Behind the Mystery of Pope Joan” – Berkley, 1999. Stanford, The She-Pope. Berkley, 1999.
- Norbert Schürer – “Pope Joan: A Study” – Pickering & Chatto, 2014. Schürer, Pope Joan: A Study. P&C, 2014.
- Craig Harline – “The Burdens of Sister Margaret” – Yale University Press, 2000. Harline, The Burdens of Sister Margaret. Yale, 2000.
- Michael Walsh – “The Conclave: A Sometimes Secret and Occasionally Bloody History of Papal Elections” – Sheed & Ward, 2003. Walsh, The Conclave. Sheed & Ward, 2003.
- J.N.D. Kelly – “The Oxford Dictionary of Popes” – Oxford University Press, 1986. Kelly, Oxford Dictionary of Popes. OUP, 1986.