First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra
Alexander VI fathered eight children before he became Pope and owed his office to vast numbers of bribes he paid out as Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra
Pius VI loved being pope, and served for 25 years. Unfortunately he was handsome and genial rather than intelligent and industrious, and his reign included the French Revolution. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra
4 Extra Debut. Ninth-century British Pope John was revealed to be Joan when she gave birth in public view, scandalising all of Rome. But did Joan really exist? Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra
In the 12th century of Frederick Barbarossa and civil uprising in Rome, an Englishman is elected Pope for the first and only time - Nicholas Breakspear, Hadrian IV. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra
When John XXIII became Pope in 1958, he was expected to have a short reign as little more than a caretaker pope. However, his pontificate shook the world. Show more
