PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Surprise! In this bonus episode, Bry is joined by Neil of War and Conquest Podcast to talk more about Charlemagne, more Papal States, and discuss whether Pope Hadrian should be on Top 10 pope lists. War and Conquest: https://www.warandconquest.com/   https://twitter.com/warandconquest1  

While Paul Afiarta conspired to secure the papacy, the elite and very popular Hadrian secured the votes instead - and things were about to change!  In his episode, we discuss the fall of Paul Afiarta, the fall of Desiderius and the Lombard Kingdom, the emergence of an empire, and the hardcore bromance with the French Man.  PS- Pontifacts mascot Ridley had plenty to say in this episode, apologies!...

Pope Stephen's election comes at a time where the people of the newly established papal states are grappling with having the Pope as their new secular leader. Violence ensues.  In his episode we discuss Duke Toto and his antipope, King Desiderius and his antipope, the rise and fall of Chris and Serg, and the new Franks in charge.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifacts...

The brother of our last Pope, Paul was a capable diplomat, and a fitting choice to continue Stephen's policies. In his episode, we discuss the threat of the Lombards, the threat of the Byzantines, the threat of a Byzantine-Lombard alliance, Saint Petronilla, and no-lady zones.    Intelligent Speech tickets available here: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:...

Intelligent Speech is back, and we will be speaking! We will be joining forces with Steve of History of the Papacy to talk about the Pope's Secret Escape passageway, and Bry will be participating in a panel on Italy with Steve, Mike of History of Italy, and Marco of Storia d'Italia. Tickets are available at https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/ Use code PONT for 10% off your ticket. 

The real pope Stephen II has a pontificate that marks many very important paradigm shifts that will change the role of the papacy from here on out. In his episode, we discuss the beginning of the Frankish papacy, yet another Lombard threat, the Donation of Pepin, and the beginning of Popes crowning and legitimating the rule of Kings.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontif...

Stephen was elected to the papacy... that's about it. In his episode, we discuss the debate over when a pope becomes a pope, and the pontifical numbering confusion for the Stephens.    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

Pope Zachary, our last "Byzantine" pope, marks an important shift away from the Eastern Empire, towards... yet another empire.  In his episode, we discuss the ongoing Iconoclasm, calming the Lombard threat, evangelization in Germania, and how babies poop sometimes. Come for the bad Angelology, stay for "Here are your Hot Dogs": a broad overview of the Franks.  Revolution 1: https://open.spotify.co...

In this very special bonus episode and our first Agora collaboration, Bry and Fry sit down with Steve Guerra from the History of the Papacy to discuss favourite popes, favourite moments in papal history, and what draws us into the wild and complex legacy of the church. Find the History of the Papacy here: https://www.atozhistorypage.com/

Pope Gregory III is the last non-European pope in the church until the election of Pope Francis. He also did not expect to be pope! In his episode, we discuss his unusual election, the frustrating obstacles to defending iconoclasm, the ongoing petty squabbles of the Lombards, horse meat, and some actual contact with Charles Martel!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifac...

Pope Gregory II, "the mouthy" has a lot to live up to in his namesake, and a lot of assassination attempts to see off.  In his episode, we discuss a significant Tiber flood, an unusually specific synod, the beginning of the Papal States, and the ICONOCLASM. We also ask the important question... who is messing in the olive groves?! Show Notes:  Map of Rome: https://theromanguy.com/wp-content/upload...

After Sisinnius's sudden death, his brother Constantine was the perfect fit to succeed him as pope - he was attracted to the Eastern culture, he had a rapport with the Imperial family, and he had a streak of luck like we haven't seen in a long time.  In his episode, we discuss weaboo-ing, vinegar blinding, and sneaky murdering.    https://vurbl.com/station/6kQLp2NkIIO/   Support Pontifacts: Patreo...

Sisinnius would have made a great pope.  In his episode, we discuss the growth of the Eastern influence in the Roman church, the state of the Aurelian walls, and gout.    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

Two Johns in a row! This one got the more unfortunate nickname... In his episode, we deal with John's gamble against the revenge driven Emperor Justinian No-Nose, regulations for clerical dress, and a possibly-definitely made up scandal Fry is not on board with.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pont...

Pope Salty Eye lived up to his name better than we could have ever hoped. In his episode, we discuss the unexpected arrival of the Exarch of Ravenna, the unexpected arrival of the Lombards, and the very expected arrival of Wilfrid of York. We also teach Fry's child how to use 'salty'.  (Narrator:"But Bry did not get her bad rolls, and her D&D character ended up insta-killed that very evening!"...

We're extremely pleased to announce that Pontifacts is now a part of the Agora Podcast Network! Visit the Agora website: https://www.agorapodcastnetwork.com/

Pope Sergius had to contend with a lot of chaos! He had to overcome jumped up influencers to win the papacy, and fend off aggressive Imperial threats in order to keep it. In his episode, we discuss a double antipapcy, the Maronites, and all the issues with the Quinisext Council. With a special appearance from our podcast mascots.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifacts...

After the death of Pope John V, a division between the Latin Romans and the new eastern Romans led to strong disagreements over who should be Pope. Enter Pope Conon.  In his episode, we discuss famous Irish missionaries, Sicilian mistakes, and some Karenas.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifact...

Pope Blackfish was "in every way, temperate", but let's not get him out of bed.  In his episode, we discuss his role in the Third Council of Constantinople, continued imperial relations, presumptuous bishops, and we clearly don't know what Blackfish is about.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifac...

This second Benedict was yet another talented singer, and so was deeply loved by the Liber Pontificalis author. In his episode, we discuss the symbolic adoption of the Imperial sons, the latest appeals of Wilfrid of York, and... bountiful hands.    Shame Norman Boutin.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.c...

Leo made the greatest impression on the writer of the Liber Pontificalis, who has much to say about his beautiful singing voice. In his episode, we discuss the transfer of endangered relics, finalizing the Third Council of Constantinople, shoring up papal primacy in a contentious Ravenna, and Irish Bullies. Notes: Celtic Monks - https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meister_des_Book_of_Durrow_...

Pontifacts is 2 years old! To celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play pope themed D&D adventure. Join us as this rag tag band of Byzantine ‘pilgrims’ attempt to kidnap Pope Martin I, and bring him back to the Emperor. Shenanigans ensue Cast: DM: Fry Constantine Constantius: Jamie of Totalus Rankium Constans: Rob of Totalus Rankium Milo: Ari of...

Pontifacts is 2 years old! To celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play pope themed D&D adventure. Join us as this rag tag band of Byzantine ‘pilgrims’ attempt to kidnap Pope Martin I, and bring him back to the Emperor. Shenanigans ensue. Cast: DM: Fry Constantine Constantius: Jamie of Totalus Rankium Constans: Rob of Totalus Rankium Milo: Ari o...

Pontifacts is 2 years old! To celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play pope themed D&D adventure. Join us as this rag tag band of Byzantine ‘pilgrims’ attempt to kidnap Pope Martin I, and bring him back to the Emperor. Shenanigans ensue. Cast: DM: Fry Constantine Constantius: Jamie of Totalus Rankium Constans: Rob of Totalus Rankium Milo: Ari o...

The sixth ecumenical council of the church centered on the Monothelitism and Monoenergism controversies. After many years of struggle, the new emperor set his sights on religious reconciliation, and the result is a nearly yearlong council to confirm a dyothelite Christology. In this episode we discuss the Letter of Agatho, the acclamations of the fathers and anathemas of the besmirchers, and the s...