With the death of Pope Francis, the world reflects on the legacy of a modern papacy — but here at How Did It Come To This?, we ask: was it ever not chaotic?

In this episode, we dive into the strange, scandalous, and sanctified world of Popes past. From St Peter’s upside-down martyrdom to Popes who were pirates, teenagers, or (in one case) real estate agents selling the papacy — history has no shortage of holy chaos. We unpack the Schism of 1378, the wild ride of Pope Benedict IX, and why there were three Popes at once arguing over who wore the pointiest hat.

Why does one man hold spiritual authority over a billion people? What happens when that authority becomes political? And how, in the name of all things sacred, did it come to this?

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