Pope Stephen VI | The Pope Who Put a Corpse on Trial | Medieval History

☕ Support the Channel - https://buymeacoffee.com/thebedtimehi... This video tells the extraordinary story of Pope Stephen VI, the medieval pope remembered for presiding over one of the strangest and most infamous events in Church history—the trial of a dead pope. Elected in 896 during a period of intense political turmoil, Stephen VI inherited a papacy divided by rival factions competing for influence in Rome and across Italy. Determined to settle old political scores, he ordered the body of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be exhumed from its tomb and brought before an ecclesiastical court. The bizarre proceeding, later known as the Cadaver Synod, saw the deceased pope dressed in papal vestments and placed on a throne while accusations were read aloud. Formosus was found guilty, his papal acts were declared invalid, and his body was subjected to a humiliating punishment before being cast into the Tiber River. The shocking spectacle outraged many in Rome and quickly turned public opinion against Stephen VI. Within months, he was imprisoned during a popular uprising and died soon afterward, while later popes reversed many of the Cadaver Synod's decisions. This gentle bedtime documentary explores Pope Stephen VI as a story of medieval politics, vengeance, and one of the most extraordinary episodes in the history of the papacy—told in a calm and reflective way to help you rest. #HistoryForSleep #PopeStephenVI #MedievalHistory Want more sleepy history? Subscribe and turn on the notification bell 🔔 And if you have a favorite era or topic, suggest it below. Your idea might inspire the next bedtime story! We create these stories with great respect for history. AI tools help with research and visuals, but every script is carefully written and edited by us. Please note that while the narrative is thoroughly based on historical research, its primary purpose is storytelling for entertainment and relaxation. As such, it is not intended to be used as a formal academic or scientific source. "Check out my new channel,    / @bedtimescientist-icdi  , with a new focus on science, nature, and relaxing science facts designed to help you drift off while learning something new." Thank you for your trust and support. ❤❤❤