[TAKE 1]
<< This is very much a work in progress, hence the 'Take 1' designation. Getting reliable data to compile this list proved to be way more difficult than I had hoped. So this is also an attempt to try and draw a line in the sand from which I and others can move forward and onwards. >>
This list, in this form, may not be fully inclusive. But this is as far as I have managed to get so far. (Please click on the image below to enlarge it.)
You will notice that I have six (6) popes, near the top, that are not assigned to an order. Traditionally all six of these popes are designated as being Benedictines -- giving them a grand total of 18 popes. Alak, I just cannot find enough credible documentation to be able to unequivocally state that they were indeed Benedictines. In such situations, I always, err on the side of caution. So until I can find categorical confirmation I will leave these gaps 'blank,' rather than make an invalid association.
Some of you may be surprised that Julius II is not listed here as a Franciscan. That is because he wasn't! Yes, he joined the order when young to study with them. But he left the order while still a novice.
I am still working through this list as time permits. (In addition to writing another book on popes, I have other distractions like building multi-media Web sites for prominent local lawyers!)
So this is what I have. Thirty popes (so far) that I know were monks, 24 definitely belonged to orders; 12 Benedictines, 4 Franciscans, 4 Dominicans, 2 Cistercians and 2 Augustinians.
I hope this helps. I hope to be refining and updating this over the next couple of weeks.
Thanks.
Anura
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