Uncertainty over whether the seat of the papacy would remain in the city explains why Rome was a late developer when it came to palace-building, lagging behind Florence and Venice.
Articles on Papacy
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The schism reflects the deep divisions between conservative and progressive Catholics.
From its earliest centuries, Christianity was bound up with politics, with frequent tensions between government power and religious authority.
History and myth are different narrative techniques, and both can be used to stimulate national pride and cohesion and to celebrate events that defined a people.
Becoming pope was a big deal for a cardinal and his family. Leading candidates known as papabili (pope-ables) began strategizing and negotiating even before a pontiff died.
Pontiffs have always been subject to branding, making them unique subjects for public fascination and popular culture.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, a day after greeting crowds at St Peter’s Square. From the very start of his papacy, he seemed determined to do things differently.
The conclave system may seem dramatic, but it was developed after centuries of outside interference and looting.
Popes’ roles have changed over time. Some periods produced plenty of saintly popes, while others are notorious for the opposite.
The story of the ‘Cadaver Synod’ tells us that in some cases, even the departed can be held to account.
The history of how the Catholic Church has viewed the words of popes.
Meet Jakob Fugger, the man who underwrote the ambition of power-hungry medieval Princes.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita of Medieval History, University of Rhode Island
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Associate Professor of Religious History, University of Reading
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Associate Professor, University of Leicester
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Senior Lecturer in History, University of Aberdeen
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Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University
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Postdoctoral Researcher Research Centre for Studies of the Second Vatican Council, Australian Catholic University
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Assistant Professor (CLA), McMaster University
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Associate Professor of European and Digital History, Brock University
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Professor, Department of History, University of Toronto
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Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism, Durham University
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PhD student in Finance, HEC Paris Business School