Longest papal reign
- Who
- Pius IX
- When
- 07 February 1878
The longest papal reign was that of Pius IX (Italy, b. Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, 13 May 1792 ), who was Pope for 31 years 236 days between 16 June 1846–7 February 1878.
St Peter (c. 33-67), the first Pope, is said to have been head of the Church for 34 years although his papacy cannot be dated accurately.