Ep 3. The Price of Progress

Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History season 1 episode 3, The Price of Progress, delves into the role of the papacy during the Renaissance period.

The episode explores the juxtaposition between the flourishing of art, culture and science during this time, alongside the Church's growing wealth and power. Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw the construction of the Sistine Chapel, is featured heavily in this episode, with a focus on his controversial approach to financing his ambitious projects.

Pope Sixtus IV's willingness to sell indulgences, or forgiveness for sins, to fund his endeavours, is closely examined. This practice, which many criticized as a way for the Church to make money off of people's fear of divine punishment, ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation.

The episode also takes a look at the rise of the Medici family in Florence, and their close ties to the Vatican. During this period, the Pope appointed numerous Medici family members to high-ranking positions in the Church, and they in turn helped fund many of the Vatican's projects.

The impact of the Renaissance on the Church itself is explored in depth, particularly in relation to the papacy's cultural and artistic contributions. From commissioning works by famous artists like Michelangelo, to Michelangelo's relationship with Pope Julius II, who was known as the "Warrior Pope" due to his military campaigns, the episode highlights the complex relationships between art, power, and religion during this time.

In addition to examining the Church's growing wealth and power, the episode also delves into the darker aspects of the papacy during this period, including the infamous Borgia family. Pope Alexander VI and his children, Cesare and Lucrezia, are known for their ruthlessness and scandalous personal lives. The episode sheds light on the Borgia's rise to power, and the ways in which they maintained their control and influence over the Church.

Overall, The Price of Progress provides a fascinating look at the papacy during a pivotal moment in European history. It highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory relationship between the Church and the world around it, as well as the lasting impact of the Renaissance on religious institutions and society as a whole.