Dead Wrong: The Cadaver Synod

In one of the most disturbing—and truly unhinged—moments in Church history, Nicole and Lyndsay dig up the grisly details of the Cadaver Synod, the 9th-century spectacle where a dead pope was exhumed and put on trial. Yes, you read that right: they dug him up, dressed him in papal robes, and dragged his corpse into court. 🧠 This episode of The Low Expectations Podcast dives into the power struggles, paranoia, and papal pettiness that led to one of the Catholic Church’s darkest and most surreal chapters. It’s morbid. It’s absurd. It’s 100% real. ⚖️ In this episode, we cover: The political chaos of 9th-century Rome Why Pope Formosus was exhumed and "tried" after death The unhinged theatrics of the Synodus Horrenda What happened to the pope’s corpse afterward (spoiler: it wasn’t good) How the event shaped future Church power moves and scandals Perfect for fans of true crime, religious history, dark comedy, and stories that make you go, “Wait, WHAT?” — this is one you won’t want to miss. 👉 Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review—and help us keep digging up history’s most jaw-dropping stories. 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @lowexpectationspodcast 📧 Questions, comments, or creepy episode suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]