188. John XXI:
September 8, 1276 - May 20, 1277 (8 months)
The only Portugese pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, John XXI also happens to be the only pope which Dante depicted as residing in Paradise. His reign was characterized by attempts to promote peace and justice - for example, he admonished papal tax collectors who abused their positions and power.
189. Nicholas III:
November 25, 1277 - August 22, 1280 (2 years, 8 months)
Nicholas III's papacy was largely involved with political machinations - arranged marriages, arranged negotiations between different European rulers, and arranged political offices.
190. Martin IV:
February 22, 1281 - March 28, 1285 (4 years)
Pope Martin IV owed his election to Charles of Anjou and, partially as a result of that, Martin was unabashedly pro-French in his policies and in his appointements. Perhaps because of his political connections the people of Rome refused to receive him.
191. Honorius IV:
April 2, 1285 - April 3, 1287 (2 years)
The grandnephew of Pope Honorius III, Pope Honorius IV was elderly and fail when elected, leading an undistinguished and unremarkable pontifficate.
192. Nicholas IV:
February 22, 1288 - April 4, 1292 (4 years, 1 month, 11 days)
The first Franciscan to ever sit on the papal throne, Nicholas IV at first refused the office but was later convinced to reconsider and eventually accept the papacy. His political policies were not always those which engendered widespread support.
193. St. Celestine V:
July 5, 1294 - December 13, 1294 (5 months)
Celestine V inherited a troubled papacy which was largely under the thumb of Charles II of Sicily. Through his reign Celestine was unable to do much of anything without approval and support from Charles - something Celestine himself recognized. This was probably the reason why he abdicated his position after only 5 months.
194. Boniface VIII:
December 24, 1294 - October 11, 1303 (8 years, 9 months)
Boniface VIII made strong claims to both religious and political power, something which did not sit well with other rulers in Europe. In 1302 he issued the Papal Bull Unam Sanctam ("One Holy") which was one of the boldest statements of papal supremacy ever issued.
