Ep 5. The Wartime Popes

In season 1, episode 5 of Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History, titled The Wartime Popes, viewers are taken on a journey through the tumultuous and bloody periods of the Crusades, the Hundred Years War, and other conflicts throughout history. This episode highlights the role of the papacy during times of war and how popes have been able to exert their influence on these events.

The episode begins by exploring the role of Pope Urban II in launching the First Crusade in 1096. Viewers learn about the motivations behind the Crusade and the ways in which the pope used his religious authority to rally an army of knights and commoners to retake the Holy Land. The episode then moves on to examine the many other conflicts the Church has been involved in over the centuries, including the Ottoman Wars, the Battle of Lepanto, and World War II.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown how the popes have often been deeply involved in military affairs, providing spiritual guidance and political support to armies and empires. They learn how the papacy has used its vast wealth and influence to create alliances, broker peace deals, and launch military campaigns. The episode also explores the ways in which these wartime popes have utilized propaganda to manipulate public opinion and justify their actions. For example, viewers see how Pope Gregory XIII commissioned a series of frescoes in the Vatican depicting the Battle of Lepanto as a great triumph of Christianity over the Ottomans. Similarly, they learn about the ways in which Pius XII used the power of radio and cinema to rally the faithful during World War II. At the same time, the episode does not shy away from the darker aspects of the Church's involvement in war. Viewers see how popes, bishops, and monks have sometimes condoned or even encouraged violent acts in the name of God. They learn about the Inquisition and the use of torture to enforce religious orthodoxy. And they see the tragic consequences of the Crusades and other conflicts, including the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to some of the most powerful and intriguing popes in history, including Urban II, Gregory IX, Julius II, and Pius XII. They learn about the challenges these men faced, the decisions they made, and the legacies they left behind.

Overall, The Wartime Popes is a fascinating exploration of the role of the papacy in times of conflict. By examining the ways in which popes have wielded power and influenced events throughout history, this episode sheds new light on the enduring influence of the Catholic Church.