The video discusses the less wholesome side of the papacy, highlighting three popes who were known for their misdeeds.
1. Pope Stephen VI, who assumed the papacy in 896, was known for his extreme actions, including putting the 8-month-old corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, on trial, declaring his actions as pope to be invalid, and eventually throwing his corpse into the Tiber River.
2. Pope John XII, who ascended to the throne at 18 years old, was infamous for his decadent lifestyle, including having affairs with widows and his niece, and was eventually ousted from power in 963. However, he managed to regain power and continued his role as pope until his death in 964.
3. Pope Alexander VI, who was known for his corruption and womanizing, was said to have hosted a party called the "Banquet of Chestnuts" where prostitutes were forced to strip and scramble for chestnuts thrown by guests. The winner was the one who collected the most chestnuts and was rewarded with fine silks.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Catholic Church was one of the greatest powers in the Western world during the Middle Ages.
2. Pope Stephen VI assumed the pontificate in May 896.
3. Pope Stephen VI had the corpse of Pope Formosus dug up, dressed, and put on trial.
4. Pope Formosus was found guilty and his actions as pope were declared null and void.
5. The body of Pope Formosus was thrown into the Tiber River.
6. Pope Stephen VI was overthrown, imprisoned, and executed by strangulation.
7. Pope John XII ascended to the throne at the age of 18.
8. Pope John XII was known for his playboy lifestyle and was accused of various immoral acts.
9. Pope John XII was temporarily ousted in 963 but regained the throne when Otto I left Rome.
10. Pope John XII died in 964, allegedly while committing adultery.
11. Pope Alexander VI was known for his love of horses and would often watch them mate.
12. Pope Alexander VI hosted a party called the Banquet of Chestnuts, where prostitutes were invited.
13. Guests at the Banquet of Chestnuts would throw chestnuts at the prostitutes, who would scramble to collect them.
14. The winner of the game was the person who had sex with the most prostitutes.
15. The Banquet of Chestnuts was recorded by Johann Burchard, the official record-keeper of the ceremonies.