The Death and Trial of Pope Formosus: A Tale of Intrigue, Betrayal, and the Supernatural

The death of Pope Formosus in 896 CE and his subsequent trial in 897 CE are among the most bizarre and controversial events in papal history. Formosus was a highly respected and influential pope, but his death was followed by a series of accusations against him, including that he had been ordained illegally and that he had engaged in sorcery. These accusations led to a posthumous trial in which Formosus was found guilty and his body was exhumed and thrown into the Tiber River.

The death and trial of Formosus have been the subject of much debate and speculation over the centuries. Some historians believe that Formosus was the victim of a political conspiracy, while others believe that he was guilty of the crimes of which he was accused. The case of Formosus is a fascinating and complex one that sheds light on the political and theological struggles that were taking place in the Church in the 9th century.

The Death and Trial of Pope Formosus

by Joseph Dispenza

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	154 pages
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The Death of Pope Formosus

Formosus was elected pope in 891 CE. He was a highly respected and influential figure in the Church, and his election was seen as a sign of stability after a period of turmoil. However, Formosus's papacy was short-lived. He died suddenly in 896 CE, at the age of 49.

The circumstances surrounding Formosus's death are unclear. Some historians believe that he was poisoned, while others believe that he died of natural causes. However, there is no definitive evidence to support either of these claims.

The Accusations Against Formosus

Following Formosus's death, a series of accusations were made against him. These accusations included:

• That he had been ordained illegally.
• That he had engaged in sorcery.
• That he had committed adultery.
• That he had committed perjury.

These accusations were made by Formosus's enemies, who included Pope Stephen VI and Archbishop Ardicius of Spoleto. Stephen VI was a particularly bitter enemy of Formosus, and he was determined to discredit him in any way possible.

The Trial of Pope Formosus

In 897 CE, Pope Stephen VI ordered that Formosus's body be exhumed and put on trial. This was an unprecedented event in papal history. The trial was presided over by Stephen VI himself, and Formosus was represented by a deacon named Marinus.

The trial was a farce. Formosus was not allowed to defend himself, and the charges against him were never proven. Despite this, Stephen VI found Formosus guilty of all the charges against him. Formosus's body was then stripped of its papal vestments and thrown into the Tiber River.

The Aftermath of the Trial

The trial of Pope Formosus had a profound impact on the Church. It raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Formosus's papacy and the validity of the sacraments that he had administered. It also led to a period of instability and chaos in the Church.

In 898 CE, Pope John IX annulled the trial of Formosus and restored his body to its proper burial place. However, the damage had been done. The trial of Formosus had exposed the deep divisions within the Church and had undermined the authority of the papacy.

The death and trial of Pope Formosus is a fascinating and complex story that sheds light on the political and theological struggles that were taking place in the Church in the 9th century. It is a story of intrigue, betrayal, and the supernatural that continues to fascinate historians and theologians today.

The Death and Trial of Pope Formosus

by Joseph Dispenza

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	154 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE