The name Alexander VI locked a ghost into the list of popes

A Greek orphan becomes a pope - later the Church voids his papacy. Who is this erased pope? The name Alexander VI locked a ghost into the list of popes This episode explores the improbable ascent of Pietro Filargo, an orphaned Greek child who became a cardinal and briefly held the papacy, only to have his authority voided centuries later. How did a man with no family or connections reach such a high office, and why was his legacy erased? Person: Pietro Filargo Date: 1339 (approximate birth) Location: Crete Period: Medieval Europe Event: Western Schism - Pietro Filargo, an orphaned Greek child, was taken in by Italian Franciscan friars who provided him with an education. - He studied at a Franciscan convent in Norwich, England, and later at Oxford, where he founded a drinking society called the Popes' drinking society. - After earning a doctorate in theology from the University of Paris, Pietro aligned himself with Urban VI during the Western Schism, a period when the Church had two competing popes. - This strategic alignment led to his advancement through the episcopate, becoming Bishop of Piacenza, Vicenza, and Novara. - Pietro then served as an advisor to Giangaleazzo Visconti, the Duke of Milan, before being elevated to Archbishop of Milan and then cardinal by Pope Innocent VII. To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com. © 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: [email protected].