Antipopes: Intrigues, Heresies, and Schisms Behind the Scenes of the Vatican – Prignano Mario – CoLibri – 2026 – ISBN 978-5-389-29964-1
Antipopes: Intrigues, Heresies, and Schisms Behind the Scenes of the Vatican
14.99 €
In stock
Antipopes: Intrigues, Heresies, and Schisms Behind the Scenes of the Vatican
14.99 €
From the 3rd century until the very end of the Middle Ages, the election of the pope was marked by disagreements and conflicts. While official medieval chronicles extolled the pontiffs, those who challenged them, contested their authority, or fought for the Holy See remained in the shadows of history.
The simultaneous emergence of two pontiffs—the legitimate, recognized pope and an antipope—became commonplace. Some scheming in the shadows, others among the most pious men in the Church, and still others backed by powerful European rulers. But what were the true causes of these numerous conflicts and schisms? What enabled antipopes to resist, to enjoy such authority and popularity among their contemporaries that they could be venerated as saints? And who, according to canonical rules, was considered the true Vicar of Peter?
Author Mario Prignano recreates the fates of the losers, among whom were brilliant intellectuals, adventurers, and genuine reformers. It is a story of divisions and strife, of piety and ambition, a story of how human weaknesses and behind-the-scenes intrigues shaped the policies of one of the most powerful organizations.
The simultaneous emergence of two pontiffs—the legitimate, recognized pope and an antipope—became commonplace. Some scheming in the shadows, others among the most pious men in the Church, and still others backed by powerful European rulers. But what were the true causes of these numerous conflicts and schisms? What enabled antipopes to resist, to enjoy such authority and popularity among their contemporaries that they could be venerated as saints? And who, according to canonical rules, was considered the true Vicar of Peter?
Author Mario Prignano recreates the fates of the losers, among whom were brilliant intellectuals, adventurers, and genuine reformers. It is a story of divisions and strife, of piety and ambition, a story of how human weaknesses and behind-the-scenes intrigues shaped the policies of one of the most powerful organizations.
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