Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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The papacy’s long history includes moments of profound spiritual leadership, but it has also weathered periods marked by misconduct and political turmoil. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, some popes became entangled in behaviour that could hardly be called virtuous.
Let’s travel back in time and take a look at some of the medieval Church corruption, financial abuses and moral scandals that helped trigger the 16th century Reformation.
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Stephen VI
02:46 Sergius III
04:19 John X
06:00 John XII
08:12 Benedict IX
09:54 Paul II
11:20Julius III
13:39 Leo X
Narrated by James Wade
Written by Lisa E Rawcliffe
Edited by Jamit Productions
Thank you for watching!
SOURCES:
Alhassan, K. (May2018) 10 of History’s Most Scandalous Popes, History Collection website.
Chamberlin, E. R. (1986) The Bad Popes, Dorset Press, New York.
DISCLAIMER: All materials in these videos are used for entertainment purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are, or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video, and have an issue with the use of said material, please email us at info@top5s.co.uk
Copyright © 500 AD to 1500 All rights reserved.
Support our non AI content from £3 on Patreon or YT Memberships for extra videos & bonus content, funded and influenced directly by you! patreon.com/cw/OfficialMedievalMadness
The papacy’s long history includes moments of profound spiritual leadership, but it has also weathered periods marked by misconduct and political turmoil. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, some popes became entangled in behaviour that could hardly be called virtuous.
Let’s travel back in time and take a look at some of the medieval Church corruption, financial abuses and moral scandals that helped trigger the 16th century Reformation.
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Stephen VI
02:46 Sergius III
04:19 John X
06:00 John XII
08:12 Benedict IX
09:54 Paul II
11:20Julius III
13:39 Leo X
Narrated by James Wade
Written by Lisa E Rawcliffe
Edited by Jamit Productions
Thank you for watching!
SOURCES:
Alhassan, K. (May2018) 10 of History’s Most Scandalous Popes, History Collection website.
Chamberlin, E. R. (1986) The Bad Popes, Dorset Press, New York.
DISCLAIMER: All materials in these videos are used for entertainment purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are, or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video, and have an issue with the use of said material, please email us at info@top5s.co.uk
Copyright © 500 AD to 1500 All rights reserved.
