PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

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: Dece...

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

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

HABEMUS PAPAM! Bry, Fry and Gregg discuss the new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.  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   Listen to Popeular History: https://popeularhistory.podbean.com/

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/OqyACgPq4no?si=VwFa2WDCJmiG163Y          

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.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod   Paypal: https://www.payp...

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.    Outro song credit to Ben Jacobs!

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

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

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: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qaBKP7ho2WPqRXRQjqLJZ  

Are you ready for the "Demon from Hell" Pope, who broke all of the rules, including ours?! In his episode, we discuss so many crimes, exiles, attempted murders, and oddly placed omens... 

Pope John XIX, the "bilious barnacle" assumes the papacy after his brother's death, but sadly, will bring none of his pizzaz. In his episode, we discuss bribery, greed, renegging on promises and changing ones mind... and indulgences!!!! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifact...

Benedict VIII marks the (second) beginning of the "Tusculan Papacy", but will he take after his Pornocracy predecessors? In his episode, we discuss a potential precedent set, Norman alliances, Saracen invasions, and the Truce of God.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifact...

In anticipation of Intelligent Speech 2025 happening THIS WEEKEND, we're releasing our 2024 presentation! The 2024 theme was Contingencies, and we discussed the history of the Popemobile, and how it has changed to meet the various needs of different pontiffs.  There is still time to join us for Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception, where we will be talking about the Knights Templar, and the origins...

You've had Pope John ("Drizzly") Cock, are you now ready for Peter Pigsnout? In his episode, we discuss his daring assassination plot, which did not happen, his kicking off of the Great Schism, which did not happen, and his call for the First Crusade... which also did not happen.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifact...

Another John! This time with the most unfortunate nickname we have ever given, and its not even entirely our fault. In his episode, we'll discuss the shuffling of German diocese, being a nice guy, and a shocking reason to bring up the diptychs!! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast   Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/...

It's time for a long due #Popewatch!! If you've seen some alarming headlines about Pope Francis "opening portals in an unprecedented ritual" or "livestreaming the opening of the Tomb of Lucifer", we've got you covered.  Thank you for another amazing year of Pontifacts, see you in 2025!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pont...

Will Pope Silver Rat benefit from the abundance of sources we saw last week? Alas, even his sons did not bother to write about him! In his episode we discuss the mission of Bruno of Querfurt, an update on the numbering of Pope Johns, and a slightly spoilery discussion of the latest season of From.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.co...

You've had the myths, now its time for the maths! In this episode, Bry is joined by Quinn and Umberto, certified math wizards to discuss the impact of Gerbert of Aurillac's mathematical contributions. We'll discuss the horror of calculating with Roman numerals, the introduction of Hindu-Arabic numbers, the abacus, the astrolabe, the armillary sphere, and more!  Listen to:  Nobelesse Oblige: https:...

We are sticking with Sylvester II a little longer to cover all the wild myths and legends that surround this most interesting pope. In this episode, we discuss the Devil, demons, necromancy, sorcery, prophesies, buried treasure, incorrupt bodies, vampires and more!    And THANK YOU for one million downloads!!   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www...

Pope Sylvester was one of the most brilliant minds of the entire medieval era - but was this incredible skill the result of a deal with the devil?  In his episode we discuss the Golden Age of Al-Andalus, the Investiture Controversy, and a very unusual path to becoming pope.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspod...

What happens when a very young emperor appoints his very cool, slightly older cousin to be Pope? Find out with Gregory V! In his episode, we discuss antipopes, excommunications, and the foibles of youth.  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://ti...