The youngest pope in history was Pope Benedict IX, who became pope at an exceptionally young age. While most sources suggest he was about 20 years old when first elected in 1032, some historical accounts, including the testimony of the monk Rodulfus Glaber, claim he may have been as young as 11 or 12 years old. This would make him the youngest pope ever, although this younger age is debated and not definitively confirmed. Benedict IX is also notable for having served as pope three separate times and for the controversies surrounding his papacy, including allegations of bribery and selling the papacy
. Other young popes include Pope John XII, who became pope at about 18, and Pope John XI, who was around 20 at his election, but neither was as young as Benedict IX potentially was
