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Unusual moments in papal history

POSTED: 09:56 AM PST Feb 11, 2013 UPDATED: 08:12 AM PST Feb 12, 2013

From resignations to drownings and beheadings, the papacy is full of unusual and surprising moments.

Pope Moments - Sixtus — 6 / 23

Pope Sixtus II (August 257-August 258) -- Roman Emperor Valerian sent out a decree condemning Christian priests, bishops and deacons to death. While giving a sermon, Pope Sixtus II was captured by the emperor’s men and beheaded -- the first victim of the infamous 258 Persecutions.

Pope Benedict XVI clutches chair Feb

Pope Moments - Peter

Pope Moments - Clement I

Pope Moments - Stephen I

Pope Moments - Stephen I

Pope Moments - Sixtus

Pope Moments - Marcellinus

Pope Moments - John VII

Pope Moments - Stephen

Pope Moments - Sergius

Pope Moments - John XII

Pope Moments - Benedict IX

Pope Moments - John XXI

Pope Moments - Celestine V

Pope Moments - Boniface

Pope Moments - Urban

Pope Moments - Gregory XII

Pope Moments - Leo

Pope Moments - Urban VII

Pope Moments - Clement XIII

Pope John Paul II

Pope Benedict XVI walks up Vatican stairs

Pope Benedict XVI waving

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