There have been more than 260 popes over the past 2,000 years.
The pope is the bishop of Rome who presides over the Roman Catholic Church.
The exact number of men (with an often-repeated falsehood that there was one woman) who've held the office is hard to determine, because sometimes the office has been contested.
During periods of schism within the church, there were two or even three popes — one considered a legitimate successor and one or two who took office as antipope.
This raises the question of who becomes pope and how he's chosen.
In the early history of the church, popes were often appointed by emperors, such as Constantine and Henry III.
Some early popes — likely including St. Peter, who is usually considered the first pope — appointed their own successors.
Both of these methods were often met with disapproval and contention, however.
So, since the 11th century, a series of reforms have simplified the process.
Pope Nicholas II decreed that only cardinal bishops, cardinal priests, and cardinal deacons should be involved in the decision.
