PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Despite an illustrious ecclesiastical career, Pope Lucius II would not have long as pope to leave much of an impact. In his episode we discuss a plea in Lucca, papal rudeness in Portugal, a fallout with King Roger, and a shocking turn of events in Rome! 

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Wake up babe, there is a new church schism! Except that its the same as an old schism, and definitely full of nonsense.
Join us as we explore the history, views and members of the Society of Saint Pius X, and the actions that lead to 1500 people being excommunicated.

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Pope Celestine was going to do one thing in his papacy, and it might just give you some Cadaver Synod flashbacks! 

In his episode, we discuss his influential mentor, Abelard, and overturned relations with Sicily, England, and France. 

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Well, we can all admit it: Innocent II was not elected canonically. And yet, he still ends up coming out as the canonical pope! In his episode, we discuss how this happened, his massively advantageous allies, an ecumenical council, and a Sicilian ambush. 

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Pope Honorius II certainly had an unconventional and illegitimate start to his papacy, but no one was willing to let him resign! In his episode, we discuss the full circle Papal-Imperial moment, some very uppity abbots, puppeting dying men... and a creamy John. 

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PONTIFACTS is 8 years old! We cannot believe it. And if that's not unbelievable enough, we have been given the most AMAZING opportunity to plan a Pontifacts centred tour of Italy! And we would love for you to join us! 

PONTIFACTS: the Path to Papacy

January 30th- February 7th, 2027

Rome, Orvieto, Viterbo, and Florence

See more about the tour: 

https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour

Bry and Fry were invited by David and Lucy of Tudoriferous to discuss several popes of the Renaissance Papacy, and had such a delightful time! And since this will serve as a preview for an upcoming era that Bry feels very strongly about, hear some of the raving now. In this episode, we all discuss scandal, nepotism, diabolism, and all that makes the Renaissance oh so juicy. 

Find Tudoriferous: https://tudoriferous.wordpress.com/ 

Today marks one year since the election of Pope Leo XIV! 
In this special episode of Popewatch, we review what we have learned about the new pontiff, explore his polices, and touch on his impact on the world stage. 

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The church is in need of a new pope, and following the major shifts in Pope Callixtus II's papacy, the cardinals are deeply divided on who that next pope should be.

Enter Pope Celestine II!
Then enter some guards!

Callixtus might have been the ballsiest man to take the papacy since Gregory VII. In his episode, we discuss his impressive family, his audacious forgeries, and the END of the INVESTITURE CONTROVERSY!!

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Introducing Pope Gelasius, a monk who fixed the papal bull miniscule! In his episode, we discuss an early attack, evading an attack, and a follow up attack. 

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Its time to follow another one of the papal greats, and we know how this usually goes, don't we? 
Introducing Pope Paschal II! In his episode, we discuss shifting antipapacies, the Crusade of the Faint Hearted, the Privilegium, and papal butts. 

**Disclaimer: Editing this episode proved tricky with some pesky windows updates creating and then deleting issues on and off, so we believe we have caught everything. If you notice a crackle, or some other issue, please let us know. 

There is still time to get tickets for Intelligent Speech, happ...

We have reached yet another juggernaut in the High Middle Ages: Urban II! 
In his episode, we discuss bigamous marriages, incestuous orgies, the First Crusade, and "Deus Vult". 

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Surprise bonus episode, looking back!

As Storia d'Italia approaches the Carolingian Papacy, Marco invited Bry for a retrospective on the shifting landscape of the popes, power, and paradigm in that period. 

Find Storia d'Italia here (In Italian): https://italiastoria.com/ 

Pope Victor III is undeniably a significant historical figure, but has the unusual honour of being more famous for his pre-papal life! In his episode, we discuss the Golden Age of Montecassino, regifting stolen goods, the ultimate dilly-dallying, and only briefly lament for him that we are not rating abbots.

Pontifacts is speaking at Intelligent Speech 2026! Get your tickets at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/

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They finally got him! Despite being the hide and seek champion, Hildebrand has finally been cornered into being pope. And what a papacy he will have! In his episode (now officially our longest episode to date), we will discuss the Investiture Controversy, the famous Walk to Canossa, what the hell a 'toot' could be, and something that Fry hates, but Bry loves. 

Episode features Ben Jacobs from Wittenberg to Westphalia, David Montgomery from The Siecle, and Gregg Gassman of Popeular history. 

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Pope Alexander II might not have been the holiest member of his family, but he still certainly left an impact. 
In his episode, we discuss the Patarines, the fallout of In Nomine Domini, and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066

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Pope Nicholas II became the first pope in history to actually regulate papal elections! In his episode, we discuss a major change in relations with the Normans, the beginnings of the Pataria, and the massively influential In Nomine Domini! 

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Pope Stephen IX is the last Pope Stephen in history thusfar!   In his episode, we discuss his very odd choices, both around family and power. 

Following behind the juggernaut of Pope Leo IX, Victor II decides to follow his model in many ways. In his episode, we discuss incredible regencies, important councils, and Florence, for the first time!!

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The life of Pope Leo IX was so full of miracles that we had to dedicate a full episode to cover them all! In this episode, we discuss miraculous animals, markings, visions and smitings, and walk away with the most important prayer: "Please don't scrub my guts."

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Coming in at a rival for our longest episode to date, we introduce Pope Leo IX, the Battley Pilgrim Pope! In his episode, we discuss the beginning of the High Medieval Papacy, a massive recovery and reformation for the church, the Great Schism of 1054, and so many freakin' miracles. 

We're finally permanently out of the shadow of Benedict IX, and its time for Pope Damasus II! Will he live up to his namesake?

In his episode, we discuss the actual favoured papal candidates, the flightiest Margrave of Tuscany....and fake facts about the Harlem Globetrotters.

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In our final retrospective on the "Demon from Hell" Pope, Bry and Fry are delighted to be joined by John from Saga Thing! In this episode, we discuss the Christianization of Iceland, how figures of the Sagas might view the popes, and just how nuts this guy truly was! 

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Can you believe it, he's back again!! In this episode, we finally put the 'demon from hell' pope to bed, ask ourselves whether he repented or returned as a donkey-bear, and finally, rate Benedict IX!! 

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Are we truly out of the chaos, with a newly chosen pope?! Only this episode will tell. This time, we discuss the outcome of the Council of Sutri, the need for a non Roman pope, and horrifying sexy anime legs. 

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And we are back to regular programming - and straight back into chaos! In Gregory's episode, we look at what it looks like when the papacy is bought and sold - and what that does to a stellar reputation in the process! 

Help us raise $40 million to buy the papacy today! 

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Did you know that part of the origin of Friday the 13th's bad luck begins with a Pope? In a surprise drop, we are sharing our presentation from Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception on the dissolution of the Knights Templar, and how a pope's deception and complicity caused many deaths, a curse, and a long standing superstition!

This episode is presented as it was live at Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception, with no other edits. This is an annual online conference for independent podcasters and content creators designed to bring creators closer to their listeners! Bry helps run this conference. You can...

In Part 2 of our exploration of Papal Doomsday theories, Bry is joined by Dr Barry Torch to go through all 112 mottos from the 'Prophecies of the Popes of Saint Malachy', who they are meant to be, and our thoughts on how they measure up!

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In what was meant to be our final episode of the sede Vacante, we explore two doomsday theories about the 'final popes' and the end of the world! Join us for the portrait spaces at St Paul's Outside the Walls, the 'Prophecies of the Popes' of Saint Malachy, and a few prophecies of our own! 

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HABEMUS PAPAM! Bry, Fry and Gregg discuss the new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. 

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Before the conclave convenes on May 7th, Bry, Fry and Gregg (Popeular History) discuss the Cardinals, and in part 2 we discuss the whole of the cardinal electorate, as well as a few unconventional pope choices, presented by Fry!!

CONCLAVE LIVESTREAM:

https://www.youtube.com/live/OqyACgPq4no?si=VwFa2WDCJmiG163Y 

Before the conclave convenes on May 7th, Bry, Fry and Gregg (Popeular History) discuss the Cardinals considered most likely to be elected Pope. 

Join us in Part 2: the Pack, to hear about the whole cardinal electorate, coming very soon! 

CONCLAVE LIVESTREAM:

https://www.youtube.com/live/cg3OOVQOZww

As part of our exploration of the papal transition, Bry and Fry revisit a presentation they gave at the 2019 Sound Education conference on the wildest papal elections in history. In this episode, we discuss the first election by acclamation, the reason we have conclaves, and a pope elected by accident.

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Bry and Fry discuss the historic origins and protocols for papal funerals, and explore how Pope Francis's funeral will break with tradition. 

(Pope Francis's funeral has been set for Saturday, April 26th at 10am in St Peter's Square.)

Bry and Gregg (Popeular History and Cardinal Numbers) discuss the regulations, procedure and protocol surrounding a conclave. Please note this was recorded during Francis's illness, before his death and before the date for the conclave has been set. 

Today, Pope Francis died at the age of 88.
In this brief obituary, we reflect on the life and papacy of Pope Francis, briefly discuss what is to come in terms of funeral and conclave, and express our appreciation.

And he's back! ...or is he? In his episode, we discuss unfortunate PontiFACTS, deal with the rabble rabble, and ask ourselves, how do we get back here? Remember, you can sign up for our patreon now, and help us reach our goal of $40 million dollars to buy the papacy! 

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So Benedict IX has been forced out of Rome and deposed, and a new pope is needed! In steps Sylvester III. Can he turn things around? In his episode, we discuss the most bigamous diocese, and trying your luck a little too far. 

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This week, we were invited by the delightful Sara and Rena from Biopic: A Podcast Story to watch and discuss the 1965 classic, The Agony and the Ecstasy! Join us for a foray into bad actors, bad acting, great discussion, and Bry's favourite time period! 

Listen to Biopic: A Podcast Story:
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