The DARKEST story in VATICAN'S history #vatican #history

Dive into the bizarre tale of the Cadaver Synod, where a dead pope faced trial! Discover the absurdity and political intrigue behind this medieval event. #CadaverSynod #medievalhistory #pope #historyuncovered

The Cadaver Synod

In 897 AD, one of the most bizarre events in papal history unfolded: the Cadaver Synod.

After Pope Stephen VI died, his successor, Pope Formosus, decided to put the deceased pope on trial.

The trial took place in the Lateran Palace in Rome, where the corpse of Pope Stephen VI was exhumed and dressed in papal robes.

Propped up on a throne, the lifeless body faced accusations of usurpation and improper conduct during his reign.

A deacon spoke for the dead pope as the scene became shockingly macabre.

The synod lasted about a month, with the corpse subjected to insults and accusations.

In the end, the court declared Formosus guilty, nullifying his papacy and actions.

After the trial, Formosus's remains were thrown into the Tiber River, igniting outrage and political turmoil in the Vatican.

The scandal of the Cadaver Synod led to instability and power struggles, culminating in the murder of Pope Stephen VI.

This dark chapter in papal history shows the extreme lengths of political rivalry in medieval Rome.