The female pope story is generally regarded as a fabrication.
"Pope Joan," who supposedly served from 855 to 858, was said
to be an Englishwoman who disguised herself as a monk to be
with her cleric boyfriend. She went to Rome, where she so
impressed others with her learning that she was elected pope.
Her secret was discovered when she gave birth during a procession,
whereupon she was slain.
The story is false, although it was possibly inspired by actual events.
