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Artwork for PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Pontifacts
Rome
Pope Benedict IX
Papal History
Pope Francis
Roman Catholic Church
Papacy
Pope Leo IX
Normans
Holy Roman Empire
Papal Elections
Italy
Catholic Church
Vatican
Investiture Controversy
Crusades
Simony
Pope Sylvester II
Papal Authority
Scandal
Conclave

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes248Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Latest Episodes

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 c... more

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 more

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... more

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:  ht... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

John Sexton
Professor of literature and co-host of Saga Thing
Bridgewater State University
Episode: Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Dr. Barry Torch
Papal historian and supporter
Episode: Bonus: Papal Doomsday Theories Pt.2
Gregg Gassman
Editor of PONTIFACTS and host of both Popular History and Cardinal Numbers
Episode: Sede Vacante: The Cardinals Pt. 1 (The Papabili) with Popeular History
Greg Gassman
Editor and host of Popular History
Popular History
Episode: Sede Vacante: How a Conclave Works with Popeular History
Dr. Rutger Kramer
Expert in medieval history, focusing on monastic life
Utrecht University
Episode: Bonus: Monasteries with Dr. Rutger Kramer

Hosts

Frye
Co-host with broad involvement in PONTIFACTS and related series
Bree
Co-host on PONTIFACTS; contributes to episode discussions
Brie
Co-host on PONTIFACTS; active member in episode planning and ranking segments
Fri
Host on PONTIFACTS with focus on spoiler-free discussions and rankings

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 656 ratings
  • Great Hosts

    Fun and informative!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PelopsMum
    United States4 months ago
  • All I could Pope For

    Really enjoying this series! Just started and appreciate the levity mixed with historical understanding!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    4763
    United States8 months ago
  • Informative and entertaining

    I started listening to the show midway through my theology studies. It was a lighthearted way to keep general Catholic Church history fresh in my mind. And I was always learning something new. Although I do not agree with all the hosts’ opinions, they complement each other well and offer delightful content.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marchartier
    Canada9 months ago
  • Hope You Can Cope With All These Dope Popes*

    A really entertaining spin on the RexyPod format, the hosts have fantastic chemistry and are both hilarious. (*not all popes guaranteed to be dope)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nathan Redland
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Bri is full of info, and Fry is a good foil. Not overly reverent, but not deliberately sacrilegious.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Kurt
    a year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate accessible explanations and entertaining format
Audiences enjoy cross-podcast collaborations and rankings as a hook
Consistent praise for reliability and engaging storytelling
Listeners praise the chemistry and humor between hosts
Fans cite balanced mix of history and entertainment

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#243
Italy/History
Apple Podcasts
#223
Taiwan/History
Apple Podcasts
#241
Brazil/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Crossover: The Renaissance Papacy with Tudoriferous!
Q: Let me just ask you, what makes a good pope?
A good pope combines diplomatic shrewdness with a sense of responsibility toward the church and its people, while also managing the financial realities of the era and supporting cultural patronage without letting personal ambition override moral governance.
Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Q: What role do you think in terms of Christianity clearly being brought over by someone who was not essentially a missionary?
John discusses the complexities of Iceland's conversion, noting the unconventional ways that Christianity was introduced and negotiated.
Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Q: How did you first come in contact with the history of Benedict IX originally?
John became interested in Benedict IX while studying church history and discovering the odd references to this rich kid throwing orgies in the Vatican.
Bonus: Friday the 13th!
Q: Do you think the charges against the Templars were politically motivated?
Yes, it was a play on Philip's part to invalidate them using previously effective charges.
Bonus: Friday the 13th!
Q: Did the revived order of Knights Templar attempt to sue the Papacy?
No, not really. They succeeded in getting Pope Benedict XVI to issue an apology, but it was waved off as a bluff scheme.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

What is PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A playful history podcast that blends rigor with humor to explore the papacy, focusing on how religious leadership intersected with politics, diplomacy, and culture across centuries. Episodes cover reform, revolts, and remarkable personalities, often with witty banter and insightful anecdotes that illuminate the broader arc of church-state relations. Noteworthy traits include a lighthearted tone paired with well-researched context, and cross-podcast collaborations that broaden perspectives while maintaining a cheeky, ranking-driven format. Suitable for listeners who enjoy historical deep-dives with personality and a touch of satire, rather than dry chronology.

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Which podcasts are similar to PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes?

These podcasts share a similar audience with PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes:

1. Rex Factor
2. The History of England
3. Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire
4. Battle Royale: French Monarchs
5. History of Persia

How many episodes of PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes are there?

PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes launched 8 years ago and published 248 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes?

Recent guests on PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes include:

1. John Sexton
2. Dr. Barry Torch
3. Gregg Gassman
4. Greg Gassman
5. Dr. Rutger Kramer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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