John Paul II fifth-longest serving pope in history

VATICAN CITY—John Paul II has become the fifth-longest-serving pope in the history of the Roman Catholic church and is less than eight months away from taking fourth place.

As of Sept. 9, the 82-year old pontiff moved ahead of Hadrian I, who reigned for 23 years, 10 months and 24 days between 772 and 765. John Paul was elected Pope on Oct. 16 1978, and took office officially six days later.

According to tradition, the longest-serving pope was the first St. Peter, who is believed to have led the young church for 34 to 37 years. Vatican records put Pius IX second, Leo XIII third and Pius VI fourth.

Pius XI was pope for 31years, seven months and 21 days between 1846 and 1878; Leo XIII for 25 years and five months between 1878 and 1903, and Pius VI for 24 years, six months and seven days between 1775 and 1799.