PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Pope Leo VI gives Fry the impression that he's going to be a "big one", but will he live up to her expectations? No.  In his episode, we exhibit one of the most characteristic features of the Saeculum Obscurum, discuss Croatian Dalmatians, and give you a tiny peek into way-back Bry and Fry lore.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodca...

Pope John X, the "Wee Liar", owed much of his upward momentum in life to his outrageously good looks and the scandalous love affair he had with the most powerful woman in Rome. Maybe. Or maybe they were related. In his episode, we discuss an astounding response to the Saracen threat, an actual battle pope, and the flightiest Italian nobles.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com...

A new papal history book (City of Echoes) has just been released, and Bry had the opportunity to interview the author, Dr. Jessica Wärnberg!  In this episode, we discuss all things pope - the history of the papacy, the history of the city of Rome, and how the two are inextricably linked.  Jessica Wärnberg: https://jessicawarnberg.com/ https://twitter.com/jessicawarnberg   Find City of Echoes: http...

Pope Lando was a gambling, con-artist, spaceship pilot... Oh wait! Thats the wrong Lando! Well, considering this pope's very existence is debated, can you blame us?   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

To celebrate 5 wonderful and pope-filled years of Pontifacts, we hosted a live-streamed anniversary special game of Pope Jeopardy! Shenanigans and Q&A ensue.    Contestants:  David of the Siecle Podcast: http://thesiecle.com/ Roberto of Tsar Power/History of Saqartvelo Georgia: https://open.spotify.com/show/49JyFkd... Carlos Cooper Special thanks to Ranking '76: https://ranking76podcast.podbea...

It's me, Anastasius III! In his episode, we discuss unfortunate epithets, the evangelization of the Normans, how much we hate Jude Law's face, and CHAOS.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

We've made it to the Pornocracy! Ohhhh yeah.  In this salacious episode, we discuss antipopes on antipopes, the scandalous House of Tusculum, blinding, fourth marriages, and surgeon simulator.  Join us at Pope Jeopardy on Sunday July 23rd! 2PM PST, 5PM EST, 10PM BST https://www.youtube.com/@pontifactspod   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/ponti...

Our belated 5th anniversary special is happening LIVE on SUNDAY, July 23rd!  Streaming live on Youtube at 2 PM PST - 5 PM EST - 10 PM BST Come join us! Stream will be hosted here: https://www.youtube.com/@pontifactspod

Despite the "Egyptian darkness" in sources, we have some things to say about Leo V! In his episode, we discuss the founding saint of Brittany, surprise antipopes, dick joke city and...cremain chunks.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlis...

Will the real Benny please stand up? We want to set the record straight! In his episode, we discuss a weird phenomenon of misinformation, the introduction of the Magyars, and mean Carolingian epithets.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishl...

John, the beautiful gem, the brilliant jewel, genuinely attempted to end factionalism in Rome. In his episode, we discuss sort-of antipopes, establishing rules he couldn't believe he had to write down, and... assassinations by gout?   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: http...

After the abrupt deposition of Pope Romanus, Theodore comes to the papal throne... briefly. In his episode, we discuss the most official papal undoing, potential assassination tours, and when you should not be a generous lover.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://t...

Romanus comes to the papacy after the catastrophe of the Cadaver Synod. How is he going to turn this situation around? In his episode, we discuss the aftermath, the anger of Bartolomeo Platina, and who is the hottest pope?   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyur...

As one of the most famous and bizarre moments in papal history, we had to spend some extra time digging through the Cadaver Synod! In this special bonus episode, we are joined by Gregg of the Popeular History podcast, to explore and review many things that this event inspired. We'll discuss sources, paintings, music, musicals, and more! Images:  Jean Paul Laurens, “Pope Formosus and Stephen VI, th...

We've finally made it to the mad Stephen!! In his episode, we discuss the moment that changed papal history for hundreds of years. Welcome to the Cadaver Synod!!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

What, were you expecting someone else?! In his episode, we discuss potential viciousness, deprivation of clerical orders, and the hottest 90 year old man ever.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

We're back!!! (Note: this episode was recorded BEFORE our hiatus) Formosus is one of the most famous popes in history, though not for anything he actually did in life. But this episode will be about his life anyways! In his episode, we'll have a look at his dramatic pre-pope career, the state of the Eastern Church and Holy Roman Empire, and the summer of George.  Please join us in giving a warm we...

Pontifacts is coming back. Get ready for Formosus!

Eric, host of Ranking '76 invite Bry and Fry to join several of the Rexypod family pods for some trivia fun! Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX3yPYsy-mY&ab_channel=Ranking76Podcast Check out Ranking '76: https://ranking76podcast.podbean.com/   Check out Tsar Power: https://open.spotify.com/show/49JyFkdWvSy0sKv37W8YX6 Check out Nobelesse Oblige: https://podcasts.apple.com...

Today, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died. In this episode, we provide a short obituary and what we know about the upcoming funeral, and discuss the future of Pontifacts

We're back into the TTRPG world! With Kyle DMing the amazing new TTRPG that he designed, Under the Neighborhood, Ari from Quest Friends! and Rob from Totalus Rankium, Bry plays through the mysterious and strange "Historia Lane", where all Pontifacts and Totalus Rankium jokes are literal and real!  Listen for zombies, birds, elections, betrayal, heartbreak, revenge, and so much more. Quest Friends:...

Who is going to be the next pope? This is a question that seems to have more and more traction every day, and many sources speculate on the possibility of each cardinal to come out on top of the next conclave. But what should we be looking at to determine papal potential? Introducing Gabe, the creator of the Papability Index, an algorithm that determines the likelihood of a cardinal to be pope. In...

Though the Vatican has been the literal 'old boys club', women have still made their mark on its history! Join Bry and James of The Other Half Podcast, as they discuss two medieval women who made waves in the church - Pope Joan, and Marozia of the Pornocracy.  James will be periodically joining us to discuss other significant women figures as we move through different eras in time. You can find Ja...

Important Note: One week after this interview, Pope Michael suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died on August 2nd, 2022. We are releasing this episode because he was excited for us to do so, but we have left the content untouched.  On July 16th, 1990, 6 people gathered in a General Store in Belvue, Kansas, and elected a Pope. And that Pope has spoken to us! Join us in an interview with Pope Michae...

Although we've been on hiatus, Pope Francis has been busy! Tune in for an update on the show, and coverage of Pope Francis, delegations to the Vatican, Apostolic Visits, his health and mobility issues, and the new consistory.  Tickets for Intelligent Speech: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/ Use code Pope for a discount   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifacts...