One of history’s most bizarre trials, known as the “Cadaver Synod,” unfolded in the year 897 AD when the corpse of Pope Formosus was exhumed and brought to trial by his successor, Pope Stephen VI.
Driven by political rivalry, Pope Stephen had Formosus’ body dug up nine months after burial, dressed it in full papal regalia, and placed it on a throne inside a courtroom. Stephen himself acted as both prosecutor and judge.
Charges were read aloud accusing Formosus of unlawfully assuming the papacy. As if speaking to the deceased, Stephen questioned the corpse while another cleric answered on its behalf.
Formosus was posthumously declared guilty. His papal honors were revoked, his ceremonial robes were stripped, and three fingers — used in life for blessings — were severed. Finally, the body was cast into the River Tiber.
The macabre event remains a haunting episode in Church history, sparking debate to this day over whether it was an extreme pursuit of justice or outright madness.
