how did it come to this?

With the death of Pope Francis, the world reflects on the legacy of a modern papacy — but here at How Did It Come To This?, we ask: was it ever not chaotic?In this episode, we dive into the strange, scandalous, and sanctified world of Popes past. From St Peter’s upside-down martyrdom to Popes who were pirates, teenagers, or (in one case) real estate agents selling the papacy — history has no shortage of holy chaos. We unpack the Schism of 1378, the wild ride of Pope Benedict IX, and why there were three Popes at once arguing over who wore the pointiest hat.Why does one man hold spiritual authority over a billion people? What happens when that authority becomes political? And how, in the name of all things sacred, did it come to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the year that was. 2024 was full of events, much like any other year, and much like any other year we missed many on this show. From Trump to Diddy, Syria to South Korea, New Zealand Maoris to Social Media Bans, a man jailed for showing truth to power and a man arrested for showing perhaps a bit too much truth to power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, facts and fiction, disinformation and historical truth. The world of the conspiracy can be a deep dark rabbit hole. It can consume peoples lives with men in black suits, chemtrails and boogeymen. But sometimes they turn out to be true. Why do we like a good conspiracy? How can we tell if something is true? Can we ever combat the rise in conspiracy belief? Was the moon landing fake? Was someone on the grassy knoll? Was Harold Holt secretly a Chinese Agent who was picked up by a submarine? Was there a grand conspiracy by the leadership at my school to give Siobhan the job I was going for? and ultimately how did it come to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, higher, faster, stronger, together. The pinnacle of human physical achievement, the chance to be the best in the world, the ability to cheer on your nation with unbridled enthusiasm, the knowledge of a sport you had no interest in and will not show any interest in for the next four years. The Olympics is an international party that brings joy, heartache and pride to many around the world, but why does it exist at all? How did a competition for ancient Greeks become the international juggernaut it is today? Why is sport the great peaceful equaliser? Are the games truly about sport, or a corrupt commercial endeavour? Why do companies pay billions of dollars to be involved? Will I ever concede that I have missed my opportunity to be an olympian? and ultimately how did it come to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a shot that has massive implications for not only the united states, but possibly the world. A sniper on a roof and a former president and presidential candidate has brought into sharp focus the ramifications of assassinating a world leader. Why would someone want to murder a political leader? How do they even get close enough to try? What are the outcomes when it happens? Can we prevent it in the future? Why are we obsessed with grassy knolls? How did my classmates accidentally assassinate our schools cow? and ultimately how did it come to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.