How many popes were named Alexander?

Answer 1

There were seven popes who led the Church as Alexander. These include:

St. Alexander I (105-115)

Alexander II (1061-73)

Alexander III (1159-81)

Alexander IV (1254-61)

Alexander VI (1492-1503)

Alexander VII (1655-67)

Alexander VIII (1689-91)

You will no doubt notice that Alexander V is missing from this list, whose inclusion would make it eight. This is because Pietro Philarghi who became Alexander V was elected illegitimately during the Great Western Schism and was found to be an antipope. The fault was not his as confusion was rife at the time. Whether out of respect or confusion, the name Alexander V was skipped in the legitimate line of papal succession and thus there were only seven popes named Alexander.