Curiosa Thursday: Pope Joan
- Rick Bessey
- Jul 10
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Pope Joan is a female Pope who is said to have served from 855-857, though her story did not gain prominence until the late 1200s, and, at this point, is believed to be entirely false.
With that said, I am all about the legends and stories, and on a street in Rome you will find this non-descript shrine. As you walk through Italy you will find shrines at many street corners - shrines are commonplace in all cities of Italy - but this is the shrine dedicated to Pope Joan and marks the spot where, as she was in the midst of a procession, she stopped and had her baby.
It should be noted that at the time this story gained popularity, the annual procession from the Lateran Basilica to Santa Maria Maggiore took a peculiar turn to avoid this spot and the scandal it held.
The Shrine of Pope Joan is located not too far from the Colosseum, and is between two fascinating churches, the Basilica of San Clemente and the Basilica of the Four Crowned Martyrs. Taken as a trio, these sites may well be worth your time in Rome.
Are you interested in seeing this?
Yes!
If there is time.
It doesn't really call to me.
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