Who was the first pope to admit fathering children?

Answer 1

A:

Several popes of the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods are known to have children, usually (but not always) choosing to refer to them as their 'nephews'. Innocent VIII was the first pope to acknowledge openly his illegitimate children. However, no pope in modern times is known to have had children, even while still a cardinal.

Answer 2

No, but some have in the past.

A pope can father children the same way any man can father children: by having unprotected sexual relations with a woman. The Vatican is a very guarded, self-policed and secretive place. If a pope wanted to have a relationship with a woman there would be nothing to stop him except his own conscience. Many popes throughout history have not been celibate and many have fathered children. Celibacy was not a requirement prior to the Middle Ages. You can read about sexually active popes and the history of celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church at the link provided below.

Answer 3

After receiving Holy Orders, Pope Julius II had at least one illegitimate daughter, Pope Paul III had four illegitimate children. Pope Alexander VI fathered at least seven illegitimate children, some of them possibly during his pontificate.

Answer 4

A:

During the Middle Ages, it was usual for popes to describe their illegitimate children as nephews, providing for them as children and often promoting them to positions of bishop or cardinal in the Church. Pope Innocent VIII was the first pope to acknowledge his children as his own.