With the resignation of Pope Benedict, take a look at history's shortest-reigning popes. <a >You can also view our list of the longest-reigning popes.</a><br /><br />Pope Urban VII reigned for 13 calendar days in 1590, the shortest papal tenure in history.
Shortest-reigning popes —
With the resignation of Pope Benedict, take a look at history's shortest-reigning popes. You can also view our list of the longest-reigning popes.

Pope Urban VII reigned for 13 calendar days in 1590, the shortest papal tenure in history.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Boniface VI reigned for 16 days in the year 896.
Boniface VI —
Boniface VI reigned for 16 days in the year 896.
Pope Celestine IV reigned for 17 days and died before consecration in 1241.
Celestine IV —
Pope Celestine IV reigned for 17 days and died before consecration in 1241.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Theodore II reigned for 20 days in 897.
Theodore II —
Pope Theodore II reigned for 20 days in 897.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Sisinnius reigned for 21 days in 708.
Sisinnius —
Pope Sisinnius reigned for 21 days in 708.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Marcellus II reigned for 22 days in 1555.
Marcellus II —
Pope Marcellus II reigned for 22 days in 1555.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Damasus II reigned for 24 days in 1048.
Damasus II —
Pope Damasus II reigned for 24 days in 1048.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Pius III reigned for 27 days in 1503.
Pius III —
Pope Pius III reigned for 27 days in 1503.
Emory University
Pope Leo XI also reigned for 27 days in 1605.
Leo XI —
Pope Leo XI also reigned for 27 days in 1605.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope Benedict V was the first to reign for 33 days in 964.
Benedict V —
Pope Benedict V was the first to reign for 33 days in 964.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Pope John Paul I also reigned for 33 days before his death in 1978.
John Paul I —
Pope John Paul I also reigned for 33 days before his death in 1978.
Keystone/Getty Images