Murdered Popes:
Pope Pius I (Saint) (c. 142 – c. 154), martyred by the sword according to old sources.[10] Claim of martyrdom removed from the 1969 General Roman Calendar after recent revisions.[11]
John VIII (872–882), poisoned and then clubbed to death[12]
Stephen VI (896–897), strangled[13]
Leo V (903), allegedly strangled[14]
John X (914–928), allegedly smothered with a pillow[15]
John XII (955–964), allegedly murdered by the jealous husband of the woman with whom he was in bed[16]
Benedict VI (973–974), strangled[17]
John XIV (983–984), died either by starvation, ill-treatment, or direct murder[18]
Clement II (1046–1047), allegedly poisoned[19]
Celestine V (1294–1296), allegedly murdered while in post-abdication captivity. Allegations blame his successor, Pope Boniface VIII.[20]
Boniface VIII (1294–1303), was in conflict with Philip IV of France and allegedly (though unlikely) died from the effects of ill-treatment one month before.[21]