The world’s attention has recently been on the Vatican, and the election of the new Pope Leo XIV.

But what’s the history behind the office of the Bishop of Rome? What makes a good pope?

By looking at the extraordinary career of John Dickson’s favourite pontiff, we attempt to answer those questions.

CREDITS

Undeceptions is hosted by John Dickson, produced by Kaley Payne and directed by Mark Hadley.

Alasdair Belling is a writer-researcher.

Siobhan McGuiness is our online librarian.

Lyndie Leviston remains John Dickson's wonderful assistant.

Santino Dimarco is Chief Finance and Operations Consultant.

Editing by Richard Hamwi.

Our voice actors today were Yannick Lawry and Dakotah Love.

Special thanks to our series sponsor Zondervan for making this Undeception possible.

Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com - letting the truth out.

(00:00) - Chapter 1
(01:08) - - Intro
(07:19) - - Where did the papacy come from?
(11:18) - - The Roman Empire is falling
(16:20) - - Gregory's early life
(23:55) - - Constantinople: The heart of the ancient world
(29:38) - - Gregory becomes pope
(33:19) - - A reluctant pontiff
(43:35) - - A job description of an ancient pope
(49:04) - - Was Gregory drunk on power?
(50:25) - - The Pastoral Rule
(58:17) - - Five Minute Jesus
(01:04:14) - - Humility and leadership
(01:07:17) - - John Dickson's favourite pope

The servant as leader

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