PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Callixtus might have been the ballsiest man to take the papacy since Gregory VII. In his episode, we discuss his impressive family, his audacious forgeries, and the END of the INVESTITURE CONTROVERSY!! 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

Introducing Pope Gelasius, a monk who fixed the papal bull miniscule! In his episode, we discuss an early attack, evading an attack, and a follow up attack. 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

Its time to follow another one of the papal greats, and we know how this usually goes, don't we? Introducing Pope Paschal II! In his episode, we discuss shifting antipapacies, the Crusade of the Faint Hearted, the Privilegium, and papal butts. **Disclaimer: Editing this episode proved tricky with some pesky windows updates creating and then deleting issues on and off, so we believe we have caught everything. If you notice a crackle, or some other issue, please let us know. There is still time to get tickets for Intelligent Speech, happening this upcoming weekend! Use code POPE at checkout on https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ for a discount on your ticket! 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 have reached yet another juggernaut in the High Middle Ages: Urban II! In his episode, we discuss bigamous marriages, incestuous orgies, the First Crusade, and "Deus Vult". Pontifacts is speaking at Intelligent Speech 2026! Get your tickets at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ Use code POPE at checkout for a discount on your ticket! 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

Surprise bonus episode, looking back! As Storia d'Italia approaches the Carolingian Papacy, Marco invited Bry for a retrospective on the shifting landscape of the popes, power, and paradigm in that period. Find Storia d'Italia here (In Italian): https://italiastoria.com/

Pope Victor III is undeniably a significant historical figure, but has the unusual honour of being more famous for his pre-papal life! In his episode, we discuss the Golden Age of Montecassino, regifting stolen goods, the ultimate dilly-dallying, and only briefly lament for him that we are not rating abbots. Pontifacts is speaking at Intelligent Speech 2026! Get your tickets at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ Use code POPE at checkout for a discount on your ticket! 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

They finally got him! Despite being the hide and seek champion, Hildebrand has finally been cornered into being pope. And what a papacy he will have! In his episode (now officially our longest episode to date), we will discuss the Investiture Controversy, the famous Walk to Canossa, what the hell a 'toot' could be, and something that Fry hates, but Bry loves. Episode features Ben Jacobs from Wittenberg to Westphalia, David Montgomery from The Siecle, and Gregg Gassman of Popeular history. 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 Alexander II might not have been the holiest member of his family, but he still certainly left an impact. In his episode, we discuss the Patarines, the fallout of In Nomine Domini, and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 Get your Intelligent Speech 2026 tickets now at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/, and use code POPE in the checkout for a discount! 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 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