Today, Vatican City is known as an elegant seat of divine power and prestige. But the centuries-long history of the Vatican is marked by bloodshed, corruption — and more secrets than the Church would like to admit.
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Jan 7
Sister Aimee's Kidnapping
In 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson vanished into the Pacific Ocean. It made national news; “Sister Aimee” was the founder of the Foursquare Church, with hundreds of thousands of members. After six weeks, Aimee returned, claiming she’d been kidnapped. But Los Angeles officials weren' ... Show More
51m 50s
Aug 2023
Micronations: The Amazing Story of Vatican City
Despite the name, Vatican City is an independent, sovereign nation -- and its history may surprise you. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of the Vatican from its origins all the way to the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49m 26s
Jul 2021
Tyrannical Popes: Alexander VI Pt. 2
Now wearing the papal tiara, Pope Alexander VI was determined to root out the corruption that had plagued Rome and the Vatican. But as his papacy continued, rumors began to spread that the Spanish pope was guilty of his own corruption, murder, and incest. Learn more about your ad ... Show More
49m 25s
Aug 2021
Tyrannical Popes: Leo X Pt. 1
Giovanni de' Medici was a shrewd strategist who became pope before the age of 40. As a cardinal, he ended the Medicis’ exile in Florence, returning the dynasty to their seat of power. As pope, he would nearly bankrupt the Vatican — and upend the Christian world. Learn more about ... Show More
50m 34s
Jul 2021
Tyrannical Popes: Alexander VI Pt. 1
Elevated into power by his uncle, Pope Calixtus III, Rodrigo Borgia became instrumental in settling affairs throughout the Papal States. As a cardinal, he orchestrated the election of popes for decades — all the while biding his time before making his own moves to become a pope h ... Show More
46m 39s