Ridiculous History Podcast Summary: "CLASSIC: A Dead Pope Goes To Court"
Published on May 3, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the episode titled "A Dead Pope Goes To Court," hosts Ben Bolin and Noel Brown delve into one of history's most bizarre ecclesiastical events: the trial of a deceased pope. Anchored in the tumultuous period of the Holy Roman Empire during the 9th century, this episode uncovers the intricate interplay of power, politics, and piety that led to the infamous Cadaver Synod.
Historical Background
Ben Bolin opens the discussion by setting the stage within the Holy Roman Empire of the 8th and 9th centuries, a time rife with corruption and political maneuvering. He references an article from AllThatIsInteresting.com, aptly titled Better Know a Pope Stephen VI, the Grave Robber, which highlights the chaotic nature of the era, often termed the "Pornocracy." This term underscores the pervasive corruption that plagued the Catholic Church and its leadership.
Formosus: The Controversial Pope
The narrative centers on Pope Formosus, a figure whose ecclesiastical career was marked by both fervent missionary work and significant controversy. Formosus, originally a cardinal bishop, was excommunicated by Pope John VIII in 875 for allegedly holding multiple bishoprics simultaneously—a violation of Church law aimed at preventing excessive consolidation of power within the clergy (00:19).
Despite his excommunication, Formosus's influence did not wane. By 878, the Church reinstated him after he pledged never to return to Rome or resume his priestly duties. However, the political landscape shifted drastically with the assassination of Pope John VIII in 878, leading to a rapid succession of popes and setting the stage for Formosus's eventual rise to the papacy in 891.
Stephen VI and the Cadaver Synod
Formosus's papacy was short-lived, lasting from October 6, 891, until his death in 896. His tenure was marred by conflicts with Guy III of Spoleto, the Holy Roman Emperor, which ultimately led to his paralysis and death. Following Formosus's demise, Pope Boniface VI briefly assumed the papacy before being succeeded by Stephen VI in April 896.
Stephen VI, driven by animosity towards Formosus and influenced by political factions aligned against him, orchestrated the unprecedented Cadaver Synod. This macabre event involved exhuming Formosus's corpse, dressing it in papal vestments, and placing it on trial for the very charges that had led to his excommunication (19:36).
The Cadaver Synod Proceedings
During the trial, Stephen VI vehemently denounced Formosus, accusing him of heresy and violating canonical laws. Ben Bolin humorously remarks, “Formosus had to break into howling Monday and order a parade.” The proceedings were a public spectacle meant to disgrace Formosus posthumously and assert Stephen VI's authority.
Despite the corpse's inability to defend itself, the synod found Formosus guilty. His papal vestments were torn off, fingers used for consecration were amputated, and his remains were subjected to further indignities, including eventual disposal in a river—a detail later embellished by myths of fisherman retrievals (25:26).
Aftermath and Consequences
The Cadaver Synod had profound repercussions. Stephen VI's extreme actions alienated many within the Church and nobility, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent strangulation in 897. Two years later, Pope Boniface VII nullified the synod's decrees, restoring Formosus's reputation and granting him a proper burial in 897 (27:48).
This episode highlighted the severe instability within the Church's hierarchy and the extreme measures leaders would take to consolidate power and settle personal vendettas.
Analysis and Insights
Ben Bolin and Noel Brown reflect on the Cadaver Synod as a testament to the lengths to which religious and political leaders would go to maintain authority. They ponder whether Stephen VI's actions were driven by genuine doctrinal concerns or purely political motivations to undermine Formosus's legacy and influence.
The hosts emphasize the absurdity of holding a deceased individual accountable in such a manner, noting, “We've never put a corpse on trial. You know what I mean? So go us” (28:17). This event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile interplay between faith and power, and how quickly ecclesiastical proceedings can descend into theatrical displays of authority.
Conclusion
In "A Dead Pope Goes To Court," Ben Bolin and Noel Brown unravel one of the Catholic Church's most surreal and disturbing episodes. Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, they shed light on the Cadaver Synod's significance in Church history, illustrating the volatile mix of religion, politics, and personal vendettas.
The episode invites listeners to reflect on how historical events, no matter how ridiculous, shape the institutions and beliefs that persist today. As the hosts humorously suggest, the story underscores the importance of understanding the past's complexities to appreciate the present fully.
Notable Quotes
- Ben Bolin [00:19]: "We're diving into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization."
- Noel Brown [01:29]: "A dead pope goes to court. It's like Mr. Smith goes to Court Washington or something like that."
- Ben Bolin [10:10]: "No one man should have all that power. The clock's ticking."
- Noel Brown [19:38]: "So he calls one of those sort of like a king's moot in RPG games."
- Ben Bolin [25:26]: "So Formosus found guilty, and this is a very undignified way for a Pope to act, at least I would think so in the modern day."
- Noel Brown [28:43]: "You know, I'll tell you, Ben, the fact that we're not perfect is what makes this show work."
Further Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to explore more about papal history and other unbelievable historical events by following Ridiculous History on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The community page, "Ridiculous Historians," offers a space to discuss and discover other strange and fascinating stories from the past.
This summary captures the essence of the "A Dead Pope Goes To Court" episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and historical contexts while providing notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps.