it opened up all sorts of issues with international diplomacy. The Catholic church’s response was to issue a Bull of Excommunication. And at the same time, you had the Holy Roman Emperor and the ...

About 200 of the 266 men to hold the title of pope hailed from within the borders of Italy. Here is a look at others, like Pope Francis, who didn't.

The Roman emperors were central figures in the ancient Roman religion. The emperor also served as high priest, since he was ...