Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria (Coptic line) · c. 42–49 by tradition (Mark the Evangelist)
Founded by Mark the Evangelist, Alexandria led the church's intellectual life — the catechetical school of Pantaenus, Clement and Origen, then Athanasius' defense of Nicaea. After Chalcedon (451) the church of Egypt divided over the council; from 536 two rival successions stand, and this line follows the Coptic popes.
Continues today as the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria — Pope Tawadros II is №118 of the traditional count.
70 holders in the record.