: Secular rulers often installed their own candidates to gain political leverage.

: Small traditionalist groups occasionally elect their own "popes" (such as the late Pope Michael ), though they lack the significant following or political recognition of historical antipopes.

: Saint Hippolytus of Rome is generally cited as the first, reigning in opposition to Pope Callixtus I starting in A.D. 217.

An is a person who claims or exercises the office of Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church in opposition to the canonically elected pope . Historically, antipopes emerged during periods of ecclesiastical or political turmoil, often supported by rival church factions or secular rulers like kings and emperors who sought control over the papacy. Key Historical Facts

While the era of major antipopes ended in the 15th century, the term still appears in contemporary contexts:

: Confusion or illegalities during a papal election (conclave) could lead to multiple people claiming the seat. Modern Usage

The history of antipopes spans over a millennium, from the early church to the mid-15th century.

: Internal church disagreements over theology or discipline sometimes led to the election of a rival.