How Many Popes Have Been Buried Outside of St. Peter's Basilica?
For many, the image of a pope's final resting place is intrinsically linked with the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It's a common assumption that all pontiffs, from the earliest to the most recent, find their eternal slumber within its sacred walls. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. While St. Peter's Basilica is indeed the preferred burial site for many popes, a significant number have been interred elsewhere. The question of how many popes have been buried outside of St. Peter's Basilica is not a simple headcount, as it involves understanding historical shifts, periods of exile, and the evolution of papal burial practices.
The Dominant Trend: St. Peter's Basilica
Over the centuries, St. Peter's Basilica has become the most prestigious and common resting place for popes. This tradition solidified with the current basilica, built over the tomb of Saint Peter himself. Many popes desired to be buried near the apostle, a testament to their spiritual lineage and the importance of Peter as the first Pope. The basilica's extensive crypts, known as the Vatican Grottoes, house the tombs of numerous pontiffs, making it a veritable necropolis of papal history. You'll find them in various chapels and tombs within the basilica itself, a testament to their enduring legacy.
When Popes Didn't Rest in Rome
However, history is not always a straight line. There have been several notable instances and periods where popes were buried outside of Rome, and consequently, outside of St. Peter's Basilica. These instances are often tied to specific historical circumstances:
Periods of Exile and Papal Court Location
One of the most significant periods to consider is the Avignon Papacy (1309-1376). During this time, the papal court was located in Avignon, France, not in Rome. Several popes resided and died in Avignon. Their burials, therefore, took place there, not in St. Peter's.
Additionally, there were other times when popes, or antipopes, were not in Rome due to political turmoil or schisms. These figures, even if recognized as legitimate by some, were often buried in the locations where they lived and died, which could be anywhere in Europe.
Early Papal Burial Sites
Before the construction of the grand St. Peter's Basilica that we know today, papal burials occurred in various locations. The earliest popes were often buried in the catacombs, particularly the Catacombs of Callixtus, which served as the official cemetery of the Roman Church for a time. Some popes were also buried in other basilicas around Rome, such as Old St. Peter's Basilica (which predated the current one), St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Therefore, while St. Peter's Basilica is the primary and most famous papal burial site, it hasn't always been the sole destination for the deceased pontiffs.
Specific Examples of Popes Buried Elsewhere
While providing an exact, definitive number of popes buried outside St. Peter's is complex due to historical records and the definition of "pope" versus "antipope" in certain eras, we can highlight key figures and locations:
- Popes Buried in Avignon, France: Several popes during the Avignon Papacy are buried in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame d'Avignon. These include Pope John XXII, Pope Benedict XII, Pope Clement VI, Pope Innocent VI, and Pope Urban V. Pope Gregory XI, who returned the papacy to Rome, died in the Apostolic Palace in Rome and was initially buried in St. Peter's, but his remains were later transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Popes Buried in Other Roman Basilicas: Historically, popes have been buried in basilicas other than St. Peter's. For instance, many popes were buried in the Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was demolished to build the new one. Their remains were then transferred to the new basilica. However, some popes, like Pope Leo I and Pope Gregory I, are traditionally believed to be buried in St. John Lateran. Pope Pius V is buried in Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Popes Buried in Other Cities: During times of upheaval, popes might have died and been buried far from Rome. For example, Pope Victor III died in Benevento and was buried there before his remains were later brought to Monte Cassino.
The Papal Necropolis Today
Today, the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica are the primary resting place for popes. The current pontiff, Pope Francis, will also be interred there, continuing the long-standing tradition. However, the rich tapestry of papal history shows that the desire to be near the apostle Peter in Rome solidified over time, and before that, circumstances dictated otherwise.
When considering how many popes have been buried outside of St. Peter's Basilica, it's crucial to remember the evolution of the papacy, the changing political landscapes of Europe, and the logistical realities of the Church throughout history. While the majority of popes find their eternal rest within St. Peter's, a notable contingent rests in other hallowed grounds, each with their own historical narrative.
The tradition of papal burials in St. Peter's Basilica is a relatively modern phenomenon, solidified with the construction of the current basilica. Earlier popes were interred in various locations, including the Roman catacombs and other basilicas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many popes are buried in St. Peter's Basilica?
While an exact, definitive count is challenging due to historical record-keeping and the inclusion of transferred remains, it is estimated that over 100 popes are buried within St. Peter's Basilica, including its crypts.
Why were some popes buried outside of Rome?
Popes were buried outside of Rome primarily due to periods of exile, such as the Avignon Papacy, or during times of political instability and schisms that forced the papal court to relocate. They were also buried in other Roman basilicas or catacombs before St. Peter's Basilica became the established papal necropolis.
Are antipopes also buried in St. Peter's Basilica?
Generally, no. Antipopes, who were individuals who claimed the papacy in opposition to the legitimate pope, are typically not buried in St. Peter's Basilica. Their burial sites would be determined by where they lived and died, often in their own claimed territories.
Did the bodies of popes buried elsewhere get moved to St. Peter's Basilica?
In many cases, yes. When the current St. Peter's Basilica was constructed, the remains of popes buried in the Old St. Peter's Basilica were transferred to the new one. Similarly, over time, the remains of some popes buried in other basilicas or locations have been moved to St. Peter's Basilica to be closer to the tomb of Saint Peter.
What is the oldest papal burial site?
The oldest known papal burial sites are the Roman catacombs, particularly the Catacombs of Callixtus, which served as the official cemetery of the Roman Church for early popes and martyrs.
