35 Facts About Craziest Popes

The Wild World of Papal History

Popes have held significant influence over centuries, shaping religious, political, and cultural landscapes. Some popes, however, have stories so wild they seem almost unbelievable. Here are 35 facts about the craziest popes in history.

Scandalous Reigns

Some popes led lives filled with scandal and controversy. These facts highlight their most outrageous actions.

1. 01Pope Stephen VI had his predecessor, Pope Formosus, exhumed and put on trial in the "Cadaver Synod." The corpse was found guilty, stripped of its papal vestments, and thrown into the Tiber River.
2. 02Pope John XII was known for his immoral lifestyle, including gambling, drinking, and womanizing. He was accused of turning the Lateran Palace into a brothel.
3. 03Pope Benedict IX sold the papacy to his godfather, Gregory VI, only to reclaim it later. He was pope three separate times due to his scheming.
4. 04Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, was infamous for his nepotism, fathering several children, and hosting lavish, debauched parties.
5. 05Pope Sergius III allegedly ordered the murder of his two predecessors to secure his position. He also fathered a child with his mistress, Marozia.

Unusual Decisions

Some popes made decisions that left people scratching their heads. These facts showcase their most bizarre choices.

6. 06Pope Urban VI's temper was so notorious that he once beat cardinals who disagreed with him. His harshness led to the Western Schism, splitting the church for decades.
7. 07Pope John XXIII (not to be confused with the 20th-century pope) was deposed for various crimes, including piracy, murder, and incest.
8. 08Pope Innocent VIII accepted a gift of 100 Moorish slaves from King Ferdinand of Aragon and distributed them among the cardinals.
9. 09Pope Leo X, a member of the Medici family, famously said, "Since God has given us the papacy, let us enjoy it." He spent lavishly, leading to the sale of indulgences and the Protestant Reformation.
10. 10Pope Paul II loved extravagant clothing and jewelry. He even had a tiara made with over 1,000 pearls.

Political Intrigue

Popes often found themselves entangled in political machinations. These facts reveal their most cunning moves.

11. 11Pope Julius II, known as the "Warrior Pope," led armies into battle to expand the Papal States. He also commissioned the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo.
12. 12Pope Clement VII's indecisiveness during the Sack of Rome in 1527 led to the city's destruction and his imprisonment by Emperor Charles V.
13. 13Pope Boniface VIII issued the papal bull "Unam Sanctam," asserting the pope's authority over all secular rulers. This led to his capture and humiliation by King Philip IV of France.
14. 14Pope Sixtus IV was involved in the Pazzi Conspiracy, an attempt to overthrow the Medici family in Florence. The plot failed, and many conspirators were executed.
15. 15Pope Pius IX, the longest-reigning pope, declared himself infallible in matters of faith and morals, leading to the First Vatican Council and significant controversy.

Eccentric Personalities

Some popes had quirks that made them stand out. These facts highlight their most eccentric traits.

16. 16Pope Celestine V, a hermit, was so overwhelmed by the demands of the papacy that he resigned after only five months. He was later imprisoned by his successor.
17. 17Pope Gregory XII was so obsessed with cleanliness that he reportedly bathed several times a day, a rarity in the 15th century.
18. 18Pope Adrian VI, the only Dutch pope, disliked the opulence of the Vatican and tried to reform the church. His austere lifestyle made him unpopular.
19. 19Pope Clement VI, during the Black Death, surrounded himself with fires to purify the air and avoid the plague. He also granted absolution to all who died of the disease.
20. 20Pope Honorius III was so fond of animals that he kept a menagerie, including lions, in the Vatican.

Controversial Beliefs

Some popes held beliefs that sparked controversy. These facts delve into their most contentious views.

21. 21Pope John XXII denied the Beatific Vision, the belief that souls see God immediately after death. This caused a theological uproar until he recanted on his deathbed.
22. 22Pope Sixtus V believed in witchcraft and authorized the execution of thousands of alleged witches during his papacy.
23. 23Pope Urban VIII condemned the use of tobacco, declaring that anyone who smoked or used snuff in church would be excommunicated.
24. 24Pope Pius XII's silence during the Holocaust remains a subject of intense debate. Critics argue he didn't do enough to condemn Nazi atrocities.
25. 25Pope Paul III convened the Council of Trent, which led to the Counter-Reformation. He also recognized the Jesuit order, which became influential in Catholic education and missionary work.

Unusual Deaths

The circumstances surrounding some popes' deaths are as strange as their lives. These facts reveal their most unusual demises.

26. 26Pope John XXI, a scholar, died when the ceiling of his study collapsed on him. He had only been pope for eight months.
27. 27Pope Adrian IV, the only English pope, reportedly choked to death on a fly in his wine.
28. 28Pope Clement II was believed to have been poisoned by his successor, Pope Benedict IX, to reclaim the papacy.
29. 29Pope John Paul I, who reigned for only 33 days, died under mysterious circumstances. Conspiracy theories about his death persist.
30. 30Pope Stephen VII was strangled to death in prison after his controversial Cadaver Synod.

Unconventional Actions

Some popes took actions that defied expectations. These facts highlight their most unconventional deeds.

31. 31Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day, 800 AD, establishing a precedent for papal involvement in European politics.
32. 32Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England, significantly expanding the church's influence.
33. 33Pope Sylvester II, a scholar, was rumored to have made a pact with the devil to gain his knowledge of science and mathematics.
34. 34Pope John XXIII (20th century) convened the Second Vatican Council, which modernized many church practices and opened dialogue with other religions.
35. 35Pope Francis, the current pope, is known for his humility and progressive views. He has taken steps to address climate change, poverty, and LGBTQ+ issues within the church.

The Wild World of Popes

Popes have had their share of wild stories. From Pope Stephen VI's bizarre trial of a corpse to Pope Benedict IX's multiple terms and scandals, the papacy isn't short on drama. Pope John XII's wild lifestyle and Pope Alexander VI's notorious Borgia family antics add to the intrigue. These tales show that even the highest religious office has seen its share of chaos and controversy.

Understanding these historical figures gives us a glimpse into the complexities of the past. It reminds us that leaders, no matter how revered, are still human with flaws and eccentricities. So next time you think of the papacy, remember these crazy stories. They add a colorful layer to the rich tapestry of history.