That time a dead Pope was brought to trial - the Cadaver Synod

Pope Stephen VI held a bizarre trial for the deceased Pope Formosus, who had been dead for seven months. Stephen exhumed Formosus' body, accused it of crimes, and declared him guilty. Formosus was punished posthumously by having his fingers cut off and being buried in a foreign graveyard. Later, Stephen changed his mind, exhumed the body again, and threw it into the Tiber River. A monk found the body, claimed it performed miracles, and Stephen was eventually imprisoned and killed. His successor declared the trial a sham and reburied Formosus in the Vatican.

What unusual action did Pope Stephen VI take during the trial of Pope Formosus?

• He invited foreign dignitaries to witness the trial.

• He used a puppet to represent Formosus.

• He held the trial in a secret location.

• He exhumed and placed Formosus's body in the courtroom.

What was the outcome of the trial held by Pope Stephen VI?

• Formosus was sent to exile.

• Formosus was declared guilty and unpoped.

• Formosus was exonerated posthumously.

• Formosus was declared innocent.

What did Pope Stephen VI do with Formosus's body after the trial?

• He sent it back to Formosus's homeland.

• He threw it into the Tiber River.

• He buried it in a royal tomb.

• He had it preserved in the Vatican.

Who found Formosus's body after it was thrown into the river, and what did they claim?

• A priest, who claimed it was a sign of divine wrath.

• A local villager, who claimed it was haunted.

• A monk, who claimed it performed miracles.

• A fisherman, who claimed it was cursed.

What was the final decision regarding Formosus's remains by Stephen's successor?

• They were left in the river.

• They were sent to a museum.

• They were burned.

• They were reburied in the Vatican.