The Synod of the Dead - Vatican City

The Vatican is the smallest sovereign state in the world both by population (869 inhabitants) and by territorial extension (0.44 km2).

Yet many dark secrets are kept within its walls.

In 897 d.D. the Catholic Church put a dead man on trial. This process is known as the Synod of Corpses. The accused was the late Pope Formoso accused of usurping

THE PAPACY.

To hold the trial was Pope Stephen 6th, the successor of Pope Formoso, whose body, after 7 months from

His death was exhumed, dressed in ecclesiastical robes and taken to the papal tribunal for judgment.

A deacon was appointed to speak on behalf of the dead pope. He was eventually found guilty and all his acts as pope were declared null and void. His body was clothed in rags, his three fingers were amputated and he was thrown into the Tiber.

The trial and the torment of the corpse aroused indignation and indignation in the people who rose up in a revolt.

Pope Stephen was captured, deposed and then killed.