There have been more than 260 popes since St Peter. But it was not until Paul VI that a pope had visited all five continents and not perhaps until John Paul II that popes became modern-style celebrities with bestselling books about them, or by them, to match their growing global recognition and popularity.
Millions of pages have been put to paper about the Holy Fathers. Since 1888, the Herald has covered them all, from Pope John Paul 1, who lasted only 33 days, to Pius XI who reigned from 1922- 1939. In no particular order, here is our guide to some of the best – and most controversial – including fact and fiction. We consider popes past, present (both of them) and future.
