Pope Nicholas II became the first pope in history to actually regulate papal elections! In his episode, we discuss a major change in relations with the Normans, the beginnings of the Pataria, and the massively influential In Nomine Domini!    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

Pope Stephen IX is the last Pope Stephen in history thusfar!   In his episode, we discuss his very odd choices, both around family and power.    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  

Following behind the juggernaut of Pope Leo IX, Victor II decides to follow his model in many ways. In his episode, we discuss incredible regencies, important councils, and Florence, for the first time!! 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

The life of Pope Leo IX was so full of miracles that we had to dedicate a full episode to cover them all! In this episode, we discuss miraculous animals, markings, visions and smitings, and walk away with the most important prayer: "Please don't scrub my guts." 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

Coming in at a rival for our longest episode to date, we introduce Pope Leo IX, the Battley Pilgrim Pope! In his episode, we discuss the beginning of the High Medieval Papacy, a massive recovery and reformation for the church, the Great Schism of 1054, and so many freakin' miracles.  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  

We're finally permanently out of the shadow of Benedict IX, and its time for Pope Damasus II! Will he live up to his namesake? In his episode, we discuss the actual favoured papal candidates, the flightiest Margrave of Tuscany....and fake facts about the Harlem Globetrotters.   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

In our final retrospective on the "Demon from Hell" Pope, Bry and Fry are delighted to be joined by John from Saga Thing! In this episode, we discuss the Christianization of Iceland, how figures of the Sagas might view the popes, and just how nuts this guy truly was!    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

Can you believe it, he's back again!! In this episode, we finally put the 'demon from hell' pope to bed, ask ourselves whether he repented or returned as a donkey-bear, and finally, rate Benedict IX!!    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

Are we truly out of the chaos, with a newly chosen pope?! Only this episode will tell. This time, we discuss the outcome of the Council of Sutri, the need for a non Roman pope, and horrifying sexy anime legs.    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

And we are back to regular programming - and straight back into chaos! In Gregory's episode, we look at what it looks like when the papacy is bought and sold - and what that does to a stellar reputation in the process!  Help us raise $40 million to buy the papacy today!  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  

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: Deception, with no other edits. This is an annual online conference for independent podcasters and content creators designed to bring creators closer to their listeners! Bry helps run this conference. You can find more out about the conference, and see whats coming for 2026 very soon at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/  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

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/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

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/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

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.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast    Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod   Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist 

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.