Overview

The traditions associated with a pope's death have changed from when they were buried in the catacombs of Rome. Various ceremonies, rites and rituals developed over time, but a formal procedure was not initiated until the early 1300s and even then was not always strictly followed. This comprehensive reference book provides information on the deaths, funerals and burial places of each pope and antipope from St. Peter (Apostle) to John Paul I. (Innocent X was almost gnawed by rats because no one would bury him; Alexander VI was stuffed into a carpet and pummeled into his coffin; and the corpse of Formosus was physically put on trial…) The Introduction presents a brief history of papal funerals and tombs, and also covers modern burials. A unique feature of the book is its presentation of all papal epitaphs, in their original language and in English--many translated for the first time.

Full Product Details

9780786461165

Table of Contents

Reviews

meticulous, well-documented information, sometimes humorous or unique...useful...highly recommended --<i>Choice</i>; reader-friendly...fine reference work --<i>ARBA.</i>

meticulous, well-documented information, sometimes humorous or unique...useful...highly recommended --Choice; reader-friendly...fine reference work --ARBA.

Author Information

Papal historian Wendy J. Reardon lives in Huntsville, Alabama. Visit her website at www.papal-death.com.

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