Pope Trivia By Carlos B. Valdivia — Titles Held By Popes (2nd In A Series)

by Carlos B. Valdivia
Augmentation by Anura Guruge

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1st in series: Antiquity Of The Last Cardinalte Title Held – June 14, 2012.

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The most titles held by a pope (as far as I can tell):
Paul IV (#224), 1555 to 1559, who had 8, one of which was Ostia even though he was only the Sub-Dean. The 8 titles he held were: San Sisto, San Clemente, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Albano, Sabina, Frascati, Porto e Santa Rufina and Ostia (-Velletri).

Going back to a prior title:
Pius V (#226), 1566 to 1572, when created a cardinal priest in March 1557 was given the title to S. Maria sopra Minerva. In April 1561, per the jus optionis of that time, he opted for a within the order transfer to S. Sabina. Then, on May 1565, again per jus optionis, he opted to go back to S. Maria sopra Minerva! He was elected while holding that title.

Pius IV (#225), 1559 to 1565, the pope who preceded Pius V, was also fond of title hopping. When created a cardinal priest in April 1549 he was assigned S. Pudenziana. In September 1550 be opted for S. Anastasia. In March 1552, he opted to go back to S. Pudenziana. He didn’t stop there. In December 1553 he opted for S. Stefano al Monte Celio. Then in September 1557 to S. Prisca.