Pope Joan and the Holy Throne: Myth, Misogyny, and the Papal Ball Check

Sacrilegious Discourse - Bible Study for Atheists

In this bonus episode, we dive groin-first into the legend of Pope Joan—a woman who allegedly infiltrated the papacy, gave birth mid-procession, and inspired a ritual to fondle future Popes. We explore 9th-century politics, religion, and misogyny with our trademark blend of sarcasm and skepticism. Spoiler: she probably didn’t exist, but damn, the story slaps.

• Was Pope Joan real, or just medieval satire gone viral?
• The political chaos and mythmaking of the 9th century
• How women were both feared and revered in religious roles
• The infamous "Holy Throne" and its testicular inspection ritual
• Why this myth survived for centuries and who benefited from it

Quotes:

• “She allegedly gave birth right there in the street—while the Roman crowd looked on in shock. The horse didn’t stop.”
• “Duos habet et bene pendentes—he has two, and they hang well. And yes, that was the test.”

If this episode made you laugh, cringe, or reevaluate your knowledge of papal seating arrangements, subscribe to Sacrilegious Discourse wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review, share it with a heretic, and visit sacrilegiousdiscourse.com for more unholy content.

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