PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

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.  Book the Pontifacts Tour of Italy:  https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal:  https://www.payp...

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.  Book the Pontifacts Tour of Italy: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypa...

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.  Sign up for the Pontifacts Tour of Italy 2027: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/...

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: h...

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.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist:...

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! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: h...

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!!   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tin...

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.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

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 cau...

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".    Pontifacts is speaking at Intelligent Speech 2026! Get your tickets at  https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ Use code POPE at checkout for a discount on your ticket! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com...

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://intellige...

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 Witt...

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 Get your Intelligent Speech 2026 tickets now at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/, and use code POPE in the checkout for a discount! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   htt...

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!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod   Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast    Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/po...

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.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

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!! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tin...

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." Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: ht...

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.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontif...

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.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspo...

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!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  ...

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!!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyu...

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.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https...

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!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  K...