PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

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!

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!!

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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. 

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Its time to follow another one of the papal greats, and we know how this usually goes, don't we? 

**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! 

We have reached yet another juggernaut in the High Middle Ages: Urban II! 

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!

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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.

Use code POPE at checkout for a discount on your ticket!

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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. 

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Pope Alexander II might not have been the holiest member of his family, but he still certainly left an impact. 

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 

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