The Legend of Pope Joan
The legend of Pope Joan first began to take shape during the 13th century, though the exact origins of the story remain unclear. According to the most widely known version, Pope Joan was born in the 9th century in the city of Mainz (modern-day Germany), disguised as a man. She reportedly passed herself off as "John Anglicus," a learned monk, and rose through the ranks of the Church, eventually becoming elected as pope.
The story claims that Joan's secret was not discovered until she gave birth during a papal procession in Rome. According to some accounts, she went into labor and, in the midst of the procession, delivered a child in front of shocked onlookers. This revelation caused an immediate scandal, and Pope Joan was supposedly stoned to death by an enraged mob, while the child was taken away.
The legend of Pope Joan spread quickly through Europe, gaining widespread attention and cementing her place in folklore. Some versions of the tale even suggest that she held the papacy for two years, while others claim she reigned for much longer. The story of her rise to power and subsequent downfall seemed to resonate with people during the Middle Ages, a time when the Church wielded immense power and influence. shutdown123