
Show Notes
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
(27:52) - - Gregory becomes pope
(31:33) - - A reluctant pontiff
(40:33) - - A job description of an ancient pope
(46:02) - - Was Gregory drunk on power?
(47:23) - - The Pastoral Rule
(55:15) - - Five Minute Jesus
(01:01:12) - - Humility and leadership
(01:04:15) - - John Dickson's favourite pope
More from Undeceptions with John Dickson
What do we do when we discover our so-called ‘Christian heroes’ did abhorrent things? What’s the difference between the soul and the spirit? Where does the idea of being a ‘missionary’ come from? Is the God of the Old Testament just a conglomeration of the gods from other cultures that came before? It’s our seasonal Q&A, and John Dickson is in the hot seat answering your questions. FOR FULL SHOW NOTES - CLICK HERE
We have a troubled relationship with disability. Even the term ‘disability’ is contested.
Christianity has a bit to say about ‘forgiveness’, both on a theological and a sociological level.
John Lennox is one of Christianity’s greatest living “Undeceivers”. His Irish charm, kindness, and general approachability defuse even the most intense debates - and he’s had many intense debates in his lifetime (Dawkins! Hitchens!)