Historical records indicate that several popes fathered children, either before or during their pontificates, with some having been married prior to their election to the papacy. While celibacy became an increasingly enforced discipline for clergy in the Western Church, particularly from the 11th century onwards, there are documented cases of popes with offspring.
Here are some of the popes specifically noted for having had children:
| Pope Name | Papal Reign | Offspring |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian II | 867–872 | A daughter |
| John XVII | 1003 | Three sons |
| Clement IV | 1265–1268 | Two daughters |
| Honorius IV | 1285–1287 | At least two sons |
Details on Popes with Offspring
- Adrian II (867–872): Before becoming pope, Adrian II was married and had a daughter. His family lived with him during his pontificate.
- John XVII (1003): This pope, whose original name was John Sicco, was married and had three sons prior to his election. All three of his sons reportedly became priests.
- Clement IV (1265–1268): Before entering clerical life, Guy Foulques (later Clement IV) was a married lawyer and had two daughters. His wife died before he took holy orders.
- Honorius IV (1285–1287): Prior to becoming a cardinal and then pope, Giacomo Savelli (Honorius IV) was married and had at least two sons. His family background was prominent in Rome.
These cases highlight different circumstances under which popes had children, ranging from those who were married before their election to those who had children during their pontificate, reflecting the evolving disciplinary norms of the Church over centuries. More information on this topic can be found on historical lists detailing sexually active popes and their families.
