The youngest pope ever elected was Pope Benedict IX, who became pope around the age of 20, though some sources and historians suggest he may have been as young as 11 or 12 at the time of his election in 1032. His exact age is debated, but the majority view holds he was about 20 years old, making him the youngest pope in the history of the Catholic Church
. Another contender for the youngest pope is Pope John XII, who was elected between the ages of 17 and 25. If John XII was indeed only 17 at his election, he could rival Benedict IX for the title of youngest pope, but most evidence favors Benedict IX as the youngest
. In summary, Pope Benedict IX is generally recognized as the youngest pope ever elected, with an age around 20, possibly younger according to some accounts, while Pope John XII was also notably young but likely older than Benedict IX at election.
