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PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Pontifacts

A light hearted, only slightly blasphemous papal history podcast, ranking the Popes from Peter to Leo XIV

Pontifacts Tour of Italy: https://celeste.wetravel.com/i/69fc95965ec7d2c71c592914#pontifacts-the-road-to-papacy

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21 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 1 hr 8 min
English

Episodes 21

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#255
August 24 · 1 hr 42 min
169. Eugene III
With Eugene III, we have reached the first Cistercian Pope, and the Cistercians as the first official religious order! In his episode, we discuss the recurrent problem of Arnold of Brescia, the Second Crusade, meddling in very complicated royal marriages, and a hardcore resting bitchface. Also featuring a cameo from the Rex Factor Boys! JOIN THE PONTIFACTS TOUR OF ITALY: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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 Notes: Red Hat Chat Book Source: https://archive.org/details/medievalbookofbi00hughuoft/page/n7/mode/2up
#254
July 27 · 49 min
168. Lucius II
Despite an illustrious ecclesiastical career, Pope Lucius II would not have long as pope to leave much of an impact. In his episode we discuss a plea in Lucca, papal rudeness in Portugal, a fallout with King Roger, and a shocking turn of events in Rome! Join the PONTIFACTS TOUR OF ITALY: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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
#253
July 13 · 51 min
Popewatch: SSPX Schism and Mass Excommunications
Wake up babe, there is a new church schism! Except that its the same as an old schism, and definitely full of nonsense. Join us as we explore the history, views and members of the Society of Saint Pius X, and the actions that lead to 1500 people being excommunicated. Sign up for the Pontifacts Tour of Italy: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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
#252
June 22 · 48 min
167. Celestine II
Pope Celestine was going to do one thing in his papacy, and it might just give you some Cadaver Synod flashbacks! In his episode, we discuss his influential mentor, Abelard, and overturned relations with Sicily, England, and France. Book the Pontifacts Tour of Italy: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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
#251
June 8 · 1 hr 13 min
166. Innocent II
Well, we can all admit it: Innocent II was not elected canonically. And yet, he still ends up coming out as the canonical pope! In his episode, we discuss how this happened, his massively advantageous allies, an ecumenical council, and a Sicilian ambush. Book the Pontifacts Tour of Italy: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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
#250
May 25 · 1 hr 40 min
165. Honorius II
Pope Honorius II certainly had an unconventional and illegitimate start to his papacy, but no one was willing to let him resign! In his episode, we discuss the full circle Papal-Imperial moment, some very uppity abbots, puppeting dying men... and a creamy John. Sign up for the Pontifacts Tour of Italy 2027: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour 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
#249
May 23 · 10 min
Announcement: Pontifacts Tour of Italy!
PONTIFACTS is 8 years old! We cannot believe it. And if that's not unbelievable enough, we have been given the most AMAZING opportunity to plan a Pontifacts centred tour of Italy! And we would love for you to join us! PONTIFACTS: the Path to Papacy January 30th- February 7th, 2027 Rome, Orvieto, Viterbo, and Florence See more about the tour: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactstour
#248
May 16 · 1 hr 21 min
Crossover: The Renaissance Papacy with Tudoriferous!
Bry and Fry were invited by David and Lucy of Tudoriferous to discuss several popes of the Renaissance Papacy, and had such a delightful time! And since this will serve as a preview for an upcoming era that Bry feels very strongly about, hear some of the raving now. In this episode, we all discuss scandal, nepotism, diabolism, and all that makes the Renaissance oh so juicy. Find Tudoriferous: https://tudoriferous.wordpress.com/
#247
May 8 · 1 hr 3 min
Popewatch: A Year in Leo
Today marks one year since the election of Pope Leo XIV! In this special episode of Popewatch, we review what we have learned about the new pontiff, explore his polices, and touch on his impact on the world stage. 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
#246
April 13 · 23 min
Pope Elect Celestine II
The church is in need of a new pope, and following the major shifts in Pope Callixtus II's papacy, the cardinals are deeply divided on who that next pope should be. Enter Pope Celestine II! Then enter some guards! 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
#245
March 23 · 1 hr 17 min
164. Callixtus II
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
#244
March 9 · 37 min
163. Gelasius II
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
#243
February 23 · 1 hr 13 min
162. Paschal II
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
#242
February 9 · 1 hr 27 min
161. Urban II
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
#241
January 30 · 1 hr 3 min
Crossover: The Carolingian Papacy with Storia D'Italia!
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/
#240
January 26 · 1 hr 3 min
160. Victor III
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
#239
Dec 8, 2025 · 2 hr 44 min
159. Gregory VII
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
#238
Nov 24, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
158. Alexander II
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
#237
Nov 3, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
157. Nicholas II
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
#236
Oct 20, 2025 · 56 min
156. Stephen IX
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

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