Antipope: Intrigue, Heresies, and Schisms Behind the Scenes of the Vatican

From the 3rd century until the very end of the Middle Ages, the election of a pope was accompanied by disagreements and conflicts. While official medieval chronicles extol the pontiffs, those who challenged them, disputed their authority, or fought for the Holy See remain in the shadows of history.

The simultaneous emergence of two pontiffs — the legitimate, recognized pope of Rome and an antipope — became a common occurrence. Some of them wove intrigues in the shadows, others were among the most pious people in the Church, and powerful rulers of Europe stood behind the third. But what were the true reasons for the numerous conflicts and schisms? What allowed antipopes to resist, and enjoy authority and popularity among their contemporaries to the extent that they could be venerated as saints? And who, according to canonical rules, was perceived as the true Vicar of Peter?

Writer Mario Priniano recreates the fates of the losers, among whom were brilliant intellectuals, adventurers, and true reformers. This is a story of schisms and disputes, piety and ambition, the story of how human weaknesses and behind-the-scenes intrigues defined the politics of one of the most powerful organizations.