16. The Pope Is Dead: Inside Rome’s Bone Churches, Ancient Catacombs & Darkest Burial Secrets

Fascinated by secret societies, papal traditions, and underground necropolises? With the recent passing of Pope Francis, there’s no better time to explore the bizarre and morbid rituals surrounding papal death—including why a cardinal must tap the Pope’s head with a hammer to officially declare him dead. This episode of The Empty Coffin also unravels the still-unsettling mystery behind the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, who died just 33 days into his papacy. His abrupt passing sparked decades of speculation. Was it heart failure—or something far more sinister? Poisoning? A Masonic cover-up? Plus, learn the grisly details of St. Peter’s crucifixion—and why his feet were removed before burial. Venture into vast underground necropolises where Romans once celebrated life among the dead, and visit a chilling bone church that turns mortality into macabre art. Hosted by Greg Hansberry and featuring insights from priest-scholar Father Nic Ventura, this episode of The Empty Coffin blends dark history, conspiracy, and ritual into one unforgettable experience.