Throughout the Middle Ages there were more than thirty antipopes. This book recounts them as an integral part of the history of the Church and the formation of its identity.

From the 3rd century A.D. until the end of the Middle Ages, the election of the pope often took place in a very conflictual scenario and gave rise to quarrels and disputes. Those who did not accept the outcome of the conclave could chose another pope, whom the Church referred to as anti-pope. In the narrative, these usurpers are often depicted as corrupt, power-hungry people, enemies of the Church and Christian unity. However, many devout churchmen became antipopes only because they supported defeated theological positions or even for reasons due to chance. And if apparently these figures seem to be the typical product of a ‘dark’ Middle Ages, in reality through them we come into contact with a complex world in the making. For example, of the thirty or more so-called anti-popes, one is venerated as a saint and martyr and others died in the concept of sanctity. For long centuries, the Holy See preferred not to take a position on many of them, and on some it still remains cautious, admitting that they could perhaps be considered legitimate popes. Some figures that traditional historiography has considered to be puppets in the hands of secular power, contributed decisively to the definition of the rules underlying the papacy. Far from being stumbling blocks, antipopes have shaped the history of the Church and helped to steer its course. Evildoers, usurpers, apostates, traitors, the evil fruit of ‘dark’ and corrupt centuries. This is the view we’ve had of the antipopes so far: it’s time to demolish it.