The Deaths of the Popes

<p> The traditions associated with a pope's death have changed from when they were buried in the catacombs of Rome. Various ceremonies rites and rituals developed over time but a formal procedure was not initiated until the early 1300s and even then was not always strictly followed.</p><p> This comprehensive reference book provides information on the deaths funerals and burial places of each pope and antipope from St. Peter (Apostle) to John Paul I. (Innocent X was almost gnawed by rats because no one would bury him; Alexander VI was stuffed into a carpet and pummeled into his coffin; and the corpse of Formosus was physically put on trial…) The Introduction presents a brief history of papal funerals and tombs and also covers modern burials.</p><p> A unique feature of the book is its presentation of all papal epitaphs in their original language and in English--many translated for the first time.</p>