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Popes, Past and Present Trivia Quiz

How well do you know your Popes?

A multiple-choice quiz by doublemm. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
doublemm

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
300,099

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
797

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The "Fisherman's Ring" is given to the newly elected Pope by whom? Hint

The Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals

The Cardinal who received the next most votes

Cardinal Camerlengo

The Dean of the College of Cardinals

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Question 2 of 10

2. What links Pope Celestine V and Pope Gregory XII? Hint

They both resigned from the papacy

They are two Popes who have had children

They were in office during World War 1 and World War 2, respectively

They were both German

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of these does not feature on the Papal insignia? Hint

A silver key

An eagle

A crown

A golden key

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Question 4 of 10

4. By tradition, after a Pope has died, an autopsy cannot be carried out.

True

False

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which of these titles is not held by the Pope? Hint

Bishop of Rome

Holiest Cardinal

Supreme Pontiff

Vicar of Christ

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Question 6 of 10

6. When was the "Year of the Three Popes"? Hint

1990

1978

1910

2005

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Question 7 of 10

7. Benedict XVI is which number Pope? (not including anti-popes) Hint

301st

270th

254th

265th

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Question 8 of 10

8. Who was the first English Pope? Hint

Boniface IV

Innocent

Paul IV

Adrian IV

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Question 9 of 10

9. How long did Pope Pius IX reign? Hint

32 years

15 days

34 years

7 days

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Question 10 of 10

10. Karol Josef Wojtyla is better known as who? Hint

Benedict XVI

John XXIII

John Paul II

John Paul I

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The "Fisherman's Ring" is given to the newly elected Pope by whom?

Answer: Cardinal Camerlengo

The ring is usually worn on the right hand and a new ring is cast for each new Pope. The Camerlengo determines the cause of death of the reigning Pope and must remove the "Fisherman's Ring" during this procedure.

2. What links Pope Celestine V and Pope Gregory XII?

Answer: They both resigned from the papacy

Celestine V resigned in 1294. He was elected after the death of Pope Nicholas IV. He did not want to be Pope as he wanted to live a simple life, and he issued a decree in 1294 stating any Pope had the right to resign.

And Gregory XII resigned in 1409. He resigned due to the strong support for other Popes elsewhere, vying for authority.

3. Which of these does not feature on the Papal insignia?

Answer: An eagle

The silver key symbolizes the power to bind and loose on Earth and the golden key symbolizes the power to bind and loose in heaven.

There are actually three crowns on the papal insignia, representing the three functions of the Pope as Supreme Pastor, Priest and Teacher.

4. By tradition, after a Pope has died, an autopsy cannot be carried out.

Answer: True

The body is buried in St. Peter's Basilica after lying in state.

5. Which of these titles is not held by the Pope?

Answer: Holiest Cardinal

Other titles include Primate of Italy, Sovereign of the Vatican City and Servant of Servants of God.

6. When was the "Year of the Three Popes"?

Answer: 1978

The three Popes who reigned during that year were Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II.

7. Benedict XVI is which number Pope? (not including anti-popes)

Answer: 265th

The first was St. Peter in AD 42.

8. Who was the first English Pope?

Answer: Adrian IV

Adrian IV (Nicholas Breakspeare) was born in 1100 and was in office from 1154-1159.

9. How long did Pope Pius IX reign?

Answer: 32 years

He was in office from 1846-1878 and was one of the longest-reigning Popes.

10. Karol Josef Wojtyla is better known as who?

Answer: John Paul II

He reigned 1978-2005. He was the first Polish Pope and the first non-Italian in 455 years.

Source: Author doublemm

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor CellarDoor before going online.
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