Historical records indicate that he was married before his ascension to the papacy, and he chose to remain with his wife, though she did not reside in the Vatican. The Shift Toward Celibacy The tradition of a married papacy did not end because of a specific decree overnight, but rather through a gradual process of canonical reform that sought to distinguish the clergy from the secular world.
Adrian II: The Married Pope and His Wife
John XVIII 1003–1009 Served after his father, a married priest, indicating a familial precedent. Similarly, Pope John XVII, who reigned for only a few months in 1003, was reportedly the son of a priest who was himself married.
The Historical Reality of Married Popes Before the universal enforcement of clerical celibacy, the priesthood and higher offices were often occupied by married men. Part of this reform involved the strict enforcement of clerical celibacy, which was seen as a way to prevent the Church from being entangled with local dynastic interests and property rights.
Adrian II: The Married Pope Who Chose to Stay With His Wife
Pope Adrian II, who served from 867 to 872, is perhaps the most well-documented case. As these reforms took hold, the presence of a married pope became theologically and politically inconvenient.
More About Were any popes married
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