It sounds like the plot of a Dan Brown novel or a high-budget Netflix drama. Two men, both dressed in white, both living within the same square mile of Roman travertine, and both technically holding the title of "Pope."
If you're asking are there 2 popes right now in 2026, the short answer is no. But the long answer is way more interesting because, for a decade, the world actually did have two.
Right now, the Catholic Church is led by Pope Leo XIV. He’s the first American-born Pope (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago), and he took the reins in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. So, as of today, there is only one reigning, living Pope. The "Two Popes" era—that strange, historic anomaly where an incumbent and a retired Pope lived side-by-side—is officially in the rearview mirror.
The Era of the "Two Popes" Explained
For almost 600 years, the rule was simple: You're the Pope until you die. Then, in 2013, Benedict XVI basically broke the internet (and the Church) by resigning. He cited his "advanced age" and a lack of strength to do the job.
Suddenly, we had Benedict XVI as "Pope Emeritus" and Pope Francis as the active "Bishop of Rome." It was weird. Honestly, it was a mess for canon lawyers who had no manual for how a retired Pope should act. Benedict kept wearing the white cassock. He kept living in the Vatican gardens at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.
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This created a decade of "Team Benedict" vs. "Team Francis" among the faithful. Even though Benedict was famously quiet, his mere presence made it feel like there were two centers of power. That ended when Benedict passed away on December 31, 2022.
What Happened to Pope Francis?
If you've been offline for a while, you might have missed the massive transition in 2025. Pope Francis, who lived to be 88, had a rough final year. He battled severe pneumonia and respiratory issues through early 2025, eventually passing away on April 21.
There was no "Pope Emeritus Francis." Unlike Benedict, Francis didn't resign. He stayed in office until his final breath, which meant the Church went through a standard Sede Vacante (the period when the "seat is empty") before electing the current Pope, Leo XIV.
Why People Think There Are More
Confusion often stems from the fact that "Pope" isn't a title exclusive to the Roman Catholic Church. If you want to get technical—and kinda annoy your friends at trivia night—there are actually other popes.
- The Coptic Pope: Pope Tawadros II is the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. He’s the 118th successor to St. Mark.
- The Greek Orthodox Pope of Alexandria: Patriarch Theodore II also uses the title of "Pope and Patriarch of the Great City of Alexandria."
So, if you’re looking at the whole world, there are multiple "Popes." But when people ask about the guy in the Vatican, there is only ever one man with the keys to the kingdom at a time.
The Problem with "Pope Emeritus"
The Vatican is currently trying to figure out if they should make "Pope Emeritus" an official, regulated role. Why? Because the "Two Popes" situation created confusion. Some people felt that Benedict was still the "real" Pope, or that Francis's authority was somehow diluted.
Pope Leo XIV has been hinting at new rules for this. Basically, if a future Pope decides to retire, he might have to go back to wearing the black suit of a cardinal and stop calling himself "Pope." The goal is to make sure nobody ever has to ask if there are two popes ever again.
How a New Pope Is Chosen (The 2025 Conclave)
When Pope Francis died in 2025, the world watched the Sistine Chapel chimney like hawks. The 2025 Conclave was historic because of how global the College of Cardinals had become.
Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave. Since he took office, he’s been working on "collegiality"—which is basically church-speak for "let's all work together better." He’s moved away from some of the drama of the 2010s, trying to unify a church that felt split during the years of the two popes.
Historical Glitches: When There Really Were 3 Popes
If you think the Benedict and Francis era was confusing, the 14th century would have blown your mind. During the "Western Schism," there were three different men claiming to be the Pope at the same time.
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- One in Rome.
- One in Avignon (France).
- One in Pisa.
They were all excommunicating each other. It was a logistical and spiritual nightmare that took the Council of Constance to fix. Compared to that, having one retired Pope living in a garden house was actually pretty chill.
What You Should Know Right Now
If you’re following Vatican news today, here are the facts:
- The Current Pope: Leo XIV (elected May 8, 2025).
- The Status of Francis: Deceased (April 2025).
- The Status of Benedict XVI: Deceased (December 2022).
- Current Number of Roman Catholic Popes: One.
The idea of "Two Popes" is now a historical curiosity rather than a current reality. While the media loved the "Odd Couple" dynamic of Francis and Benedict, the Vatican is clearly moving toward a more traditional "one leader at a time" vibe.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay updated on the current papacy without getting caught in the "two popes" rumor mill, follow these steps:
- Check the Official Source: The Vatican's official website (vatican.va) always lists the current "Holy Father" on the front page.
- Verify Retirement Rumors: If you hear a rumor that Leo XIV is resigning, check if he has issued a Motu Proprio (a specific type of church law document). This is how he would formalize a resignation.
- Differentiate Titles: Remember that "Emeritus" means retired. If someone refers to a retired Pope, they are referring to someone who no longer holds the power of the office.
The "Two Popes" era was a fascinating 10-year blip in a 2,000-year history. It’s over now, but the changes it sparked in how the Church views its leadership are still being felt.