Anybody remember that wacky Pope Gregory V

[BOSSHOG]

The new Pope comes from a long line of humble shepherds.

Consider Pope John XVI, who thought he was the Pope, according to Roman nobles who pushed him onto the Papal throne in 997. Unfortunately, another powerful Pope, Gregory V was alive elsewhere in Europe. Gregory returned to Rome with an Army and wasn't amused at finding a rival. He orderd John's eyes put out as well as his nose and ears sliced off. Then, to underline the point, John was excommunicated. Should he wish to object, his lips, teeth and tongue were removed. His mutiliated body was then shipped to a monastery, still alive.

And we thought republicans were ruthless.

Source: Knight Ridder

[theboss]

1. Tough crowd

The tenth century was a rough place apparently.

[dhinojosa]

2. Good times....

Yikes.

[terrya]

3. Gregory V was one strict pope.

Wow. That's some serious papal discipline, let me tell you.

[Rowdyboy]

4. Be careful....You'll give Rove ideas.....Vonovich needs some "attention"

after flipping on Bolton yesterday...

[leftchick]

5. do you have the link for that?

I read that when it first came out and was shocked. It is worth it to share that bit of Catholic history of brutality ( I say this as a Catholic myself) with others.

[BOSSHOG]

6. I don't have link

It was a Knight Ridder Newspapers article in my local paper last Saturday. The author is David Crumm. If you get the opportunity check out the story of what happened to Pope Formosus; after he died at the hands of Pope Stephen VI. I think a little less celibacy is in order in the Vatican.