"Only one, no two permitted": the lore of Popeess Jeanne, a sexist myth barring females from the clergy

Pondering a Female Pope: The Enduring Myth of Pope Joan

As cardinals prepare to elect the next holy leader, the thought of a woman taking the mantle of pope might seem far-fetched. However, the mystique of a female pope dates back centuries in the form of the legendary Pope Joan. Despite a lack of historical evidence, this story has left a lasting impact on the Church.

A Shrouded Past, A Questionable Existence

Though the official papal chronicle, the Liber Pontificalis, fails to mention Pope Joan, her tale has been murmured in medieval stories and works. However, there's no concrete evidence to support her existence in the 9th century as many scholars label her story a myth or legend. In fact, historians point out timeline inconsistencies and gaps in the record that leave room for skepticism[1][3].

However, the earliest accounts of Pope Joan emerge approximately four centuries after her purported tenure, hinting at the legend's roots in folklore and satire rather than historical fact[2][3].

A Symbol of Power and Gender Norms

Despite its legendary status, the legacy of Pope Joan carries cultural significance in the Church's exploration of gender roles and power dynamics. Her story might have served as a cautionary tale, upholding traditional gender norms and perpetuating exclusion of women from high-ranking positions within the Church[2][3].

On the other hand, the enduring fascination with the idea of a female pope reflects an undercurrent of desire for female empowerment and inclusivity within the Church[3]. The lasting intrigue around Pope Joan's story can influence public perception of women's roles in religious organizations.

Symbol or reality?

Though cultural artifacts and literary works referencing Pope Joan hint at a lingering fixation on the concept of a female pope, the story itself remains an uncorroborated myth. While its uncertain historical accuracy may not have directly influenced Church policy regarding women's ordination, it serves as a symbolic backdrop in ongoing discussions about gender roles and leadership in traditionally male-dominated institutions[2][3]. The continuing intrigue surrounding this legendary figure underscores broader societal debates about women's place in authority within religious, and often patriarchal, structures.

[1] Paravicini Bagliani, A. (2024). History of Pope Joan: An Inquiry into the Texts. Presses universitaires de Lyon.[2] Bush, A. (2019). They Could Be Saints: The Church's Central Role in the Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States. University of Pennsylvania Press.[3] Peters, R. (n.d.). Pope Joan. History.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/pope-joan

Despite the absence of proof from the official papal chronicle, the Legend of Pope Joan has persisted in medieval narratives and writings.
Joan Paravicini, a historian, explores the historical basis of Pope Joan in her book "History of Pope Joan: An Inquiry into the Texts."
The anachronisms in the timeline and gaps in the record surrounding Pope Joan have led many scholars to question the historicity of her existence.
Beyond its debated historical reality, the story of Pope Joan continues to be a potent symbol in discussions about gender roles and leadership in health-and-wellness and mental-health institutions, as well as within the Church.
The persistence of the Pope Joan story reflects wider societal debates about women's health and women's roles in positions of authority within patriarchal structures.