Historians regard the story of Pope Joan and her exposure as fiction

You will of course know that most historians agree on the fictional character of the tale of a woman on the Papal throne, Pope Joan. Most likely, the myth was devised as an irony at the expense of the dominance of courtesans, kept women and concubines of every description in the Vatican, which is particularly striking in certain periods. In the 10th century, papal mistresses presided over the appointment of cardinals, and even held important posts themselves, as was the case, for instance, with Alexander Borgia and his concubine, who became chief treasurer.

Be that as it may, there are many versions of this story, with all manner of very amusing details. For example, that the Popess was exposed when she was delivered of a child right in the course of the solemn procession from St Peter's Basilica, before the astonished public. Just look at the bewildered faces of the dignitaries when the Pope became a mama.