Some people are sick. Statues of black cats dont come to life, and you sure as sh*t cant get a cat to walk backwards and let you kiss its butthole.5. In the meantime, accusations of witchcraft began to spread amongst the ordinary people, as a way of settling grudges or seizing property and cats began to be used as proof of satanic association. Retrieved from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/ravens-memory-unfair-trade/. Its believed by some that the plague spread, at least in part,via rats. Information junkie with high probability of being a real-life Ted Mosby. This isa cautionary tale to all you cat haters out there. Pope Gregory IX (1147-1241). We accept this storythat we humans once crossed cats and it resulted in one in three of us dyingbecause it just feels rignt. We may still see the effects of the mass cat slaughter today: Its been suggested that the small black cat population in Europe today is a direct result of that breed being deemed particularly devil-like. Required fields are marked *. This bull, the story goes, declared cats as the instruments of Satan, and set Medieval Europe on a great cat purge, with special attention paid to black cats, who were particularly Luciferian. I laughed to I almost passed out One thing though some of the Pussy Persecution may have derived from the Witch connection. Im on the fence about getting an electronic cat that responds to touch (i.e., purring, meowing and flicking its robotic tail) but I can see why Egyptians of antiquity fell in love with cats. The Black Plague did happen. He has a brother named Adenulphus who later on in life served as the rector of Anagni, while Ugolino himself was educated in Paris and per known tradition, Bologna. 23 April 2018, Vox in Rama, Pope Gregory IX, uoregon.edu, Conrad of Marburg, Kevin Knight, Catholic Encyclopaedia, 2017, Was there a great Cat Massacre in the Middle Ages? Thanks, Cats, dogs, horses, humans. What effects did it have? When I graduated college,I began living my own dream as a reporter for a news media outlet. Cats are natural hunters. Enter the ancestors of Garfield the Cat. Ugolino di Conti was born around 11451170 in Anagni, Rome. They were pure evil seeking nothing but power & control of the population. Honestly, I feel like even thinking that the cathunt resulted or directly influence the black plague is a bit of a stretch. (Ive decided not the repost the link here). Did Pope Gregory's comfort with the law cause him to overstep his station as the pope? Because the powers that be dictated that the cat composed one of the main identifiers of a witch, the Church officially excommunicated the entire species. Did Pope Gregorys comfort with the law cause him tooverstephis station as the pope? And whatever else fleas like to nosh on.8. After years of consultation and research, Pope Gregory XIII signed a papal bull in February 1582 promulgating the reformed calendar that came to be known as the Gregorian calendar. And it gets repeated because it feels right to many people - it makes our ancestors look stupid and so make. Gregory immediately recognizing Conrad as a useful tool in his war against religious dissent. In an era when unknown phenomena seemed like they could only be explained by powerful deities, it seemed only natural to the Egyptians to worship kitty cats. This cruel practice continued until 1817 although the Kattenstoet continues to this day- involving stuffed cats instead. I am in France since 3 years and I would see the amount of cats I saw here during that time, maybe in a day or two in Turkey. Interesting article. (Accessed June 1, 2018). On a personal level, my parents taught me the value of travel when I was young, and since then,Ive been an avid traveler I have visited 20 countries. I do support single mothers though, especially those willing to give me 2 for 1 lapdance specials, but I digress. To start, lets look at what Pope Gregory IX actually said about cats in his bull (special formatting is my own): ), Then, in 1484, another pope, Innocent VIII, issued apapal bullthat condemned to death all cats and their human companions. (2017, June 6). Not a cat person? Cat burning became a favorite medieval pastime in France, where cats were suspended over fires in cages or doused and set alight- even chased on fire through the streets by cat chasers. While the papal bull was sent to several rulers such as Emperor Frederick II and King Henry of Germany, the central prominent figure that assumes that task very seriously is one Konrad von Marburg. The few versions of this story that bother to give anything like some substantiation claim that cats were declared servants of evil by Pope Gregory IX in 1232 or even that he declared that they should all be killed. Conrads methods, however, yielded results and in 1231, the Archbishops of Trier and Mainz wrote to the Pope, full of praise for their heretic catcher. Pope Gregory IX, who held the papacy from 1227 to 1241, most definitely fell in the second camp largely because he believed that the fluffy hairball-hackers embodied Lucifer himself. 2022 History of Yesterday | All Rights Reserved. ABORTION SHOULD BE THE ANSWER IN ALL COUNTRIES, ALONG SIDE LAWS THAT WOULD PREVENT THE POPULATION GROWTH FROM EXPANDING . In the 13th Century a wave of anti-cat sentiment swept through Europe, with religious leaders labeling cats as evil and diabolical, including Pope Gregory IX who did so in 1232 AD. In this case, with no cats around, disease-carrying rats multiplied like crazy, spreading the Plague. His condemnation of cats may not be responsible for the spread of black death, but it's definitely connected to the decline in cat populations at the time, and the proliferation of rat populations. We know they had terrier like dogs in Medieval Europe and that they were used as ratters. Hera are six really weird pets that you could actually own. Gregory was a reluctant pontiff- and not just because of his age. In a papal bull of 1233 he denounced the black cat as diabolical. So, Im not so sure cats stop the plague. . But myths often transcend evidence, dont they? Others are less sure. Purina, the multinational firm known for making cat chow, notes that, Egyptians have had a long love affair with cats. as a dvm (research quickly with phd, now DO, but still love animals) I agree about cat fanatics but this loser has all wrong about the need for cats to kill the Y Pestis flea vector rats; also, that species of flea does not infest on cats or dogs- their anticoagulant is perfect match for RATTUS NORweigica, and humans; not even mice suit them; his map of plague is laughingly inaccurate. A 'bulla' is the seal on the papal bull. In 2021, I dont think that most Catholics or people of other religious believe that cats are evil. Firstly, they are greeted by an abnormally large frog or toad, whose behind they must kiss and then a man of fearful pallor and thinness whose task was to suck out every last remnant of faith in the Catholic Church from their soul. Cats dont generally take on rats. And the Black Death didnt just travel to Europeit did its thing in Egypt, too, where it may have done more damage than it did in England.7. First, consider the dates: Pope Gregory IXs papal bull was issued between 1232 and 1234. Dogs are sweet but they dont really have that self respect that cats do. Then, there is the fact that cats just arent good ratters-, which is why dogs; especially terriers are employed to catch rodents. As a journalist, I spoke daily with public affairs officers who represented diverse government and corporate clients. On June 13, 1233, Pope Gregory IX instigated the first bull of his papacy: the Vox in Rama. 1999. When I was a kid, my mom thought that Id have my own talk show because I was always asking people lots of questions about themselves. The papal inquisition rained down justice on heretics, the people who spoke out against church canon. Unfortunately, modern DNA testing allowed us to dig into the causes of death from aging corpses. Dear Sir, The black plague ravaged countless European cities around a century after the demise of Pope Gregory IX. Its disgusting the way people treat and exploit these great animals. While ancient Egyptians would have rathersurrenderto invading army than harm a hand on a cat, the belief by others that cats cannot be trained to be loyal and obedient like a dog, was a source ofanxietyover cats during medieval times. I like cats, but I dont wear leopard skin or go around posting pictures of cats everywhere. But it starts to fall apart once you roll it around in the ol brainpan. Then, when the rats came bearing the Plague, there were no mousers left to keep the disease in check.3. So, rather than being a document banning cats from Europe, it was a letter sent to a city warning them about a cult. The most likely targets were often older cat-owning peasant women (The Crazy Cat Ladies of their time) who were labeled witches and often burned alive at the stake. Pope Gregory IX did issue a papal bull, . Check out France, rats on the street, brave-pigeons without flight reflex, but no cats. The only problem is that this story probably isnt true. A witch and her cat. Even for modern times, that is not a young age to take on the papal role. People like to dump on the Middle Ages for being Europes cultural and technological nadir, especially compared to the surrounding Classical and Renaissance periods. Home; About; Contacts; Location; FAQ The truth is that cats could not have prevented the black death. Vermin did a number on harvests, but cats were natures perfect solution: they literally cant eat anything that isnt meat, which means that they pose no risk to the crops. Like most diseases, were hard pressed to find thebad guy. Id rather see them in the wild doing what cats are meant to do than as someones indoor pet. Thanks for writing this! Which brings us back to Pope Innocent VIIIs 1484 declaration that the cat was the devils favourite animal and idol of all witches., The cat was the devils favourite animal and idol of all witches. Pope Innocent VIII. This was seen as a critical time as the sixth crusade had recently been defeated in Damietta, Egypt. Based on the Vox in Rama translation there is no exact phrase that urges Konrad or other inquisitors to go on a cathunt all across Europe. You know, small-town sh*t.9. For he had inherited the problem of heresies which were blossoming across thirteenth century Christian Europe and challenging the 'universal' church. BUT HUMANS , NOT SO. Cats Blamed for Spreading the Plague During the Middle Ages, it wasn't uncommon for cats to be killed, given their association with evil, Compora says. Plague in Cats. I AGREE. Lastly, a bit of science about the plague: the disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is initially transmitted by fleas, which pass it to their hosts. Forgive us! says the master, and the one next to him repeats this, a third responding, We know, master! A fourth says And we must obey. 4, So whats up with this? Interestingly enough, Halloween originally a pagan celebration also has Catholic roots in the form of All Hallows Eve, that is the Vigil of All Saints Day, when Catholics remember those who have gone before them to enter their heavenly home. Following years brought the great plaque of insects! Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/Black-Death, Georgievska, Marija. The Sphinx being the most obvious representation of their reverence of cats, Egyptians also covered their walls with images ofregal-lookingcats and made fine statues of them too. A LION; I will wager $500 we can debate this and I will win with 100 literate judges NOT taught as toddlers the pope or priest can send them TO HELL. Even today, the police department of Salem, Massachusetts, where witch trials executed 20 women for witchcraft, uses the image of a witch on a broomstick on theirpolice cruisers. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=141316, ONeill, Tim. This timeline stretched from 1346 to 1353, a little more than a century after Gregory. In the meantime, accusations of witchcraft began to spread amongst the ordinary people, as a way of settling grudges or seizing property and cats began to be used as proof of satanic association. Queen Elizabeth I celebrated her coronation with the burning of a cat-stuffed effigy. The cat had obtained a darker connotation through its association with Galinthias, who became a servant of Hecate, a Greek goddess of the underworld after she was turned into a cat by the goddess Hera. Cats are not assholes, as this writer and many dog lovers like to repeat endlessly (and its SO tiresome to listen). Summary. Both believed that cats were satanic and Marburg came up with evidence as to why cats are satanic. Thank you for your cooperation.You can sign-up to the Membership any time to remove the adds and enjoy the content with no interruptions, 2 popes and a plague are to blame for burning felines at the stake. But in the final analysis cats just arent dogs. Denmarks Fastelavn held at the start of lent was based on the premise that for spring to begin, evil had to be banished. This dudes job was to rid Germany of heretics, so he had plenty of reason to stoke the Popes fears of heretical activity (gotta keep that job). Pope Gregory IX was a pretty good pope by medieval standards. Ugolino chooses the name Gregory IX, as he assumed the office at the monastery of St. Gregory ad Septem Solia and fully embracing the papal supremacy policy following the footsteps of Gregory VII and Innocent III. The PBS documentary pointed out that cats dont have the musculature in their faces to reproduce human-like facial expressions the way dogs do, which is probably the main reason people think they are aloof and why they think dogs are so much more companionable (cause we love things that are more like us). Locusts and every other kind because the sparrow not only ate grain but also insects the great 3 year famin followed and the official Chinese records showed 15 million people died of starvation but later studies done by experts from outside of China say the official numbers are fudged badly in an optimistic attempt to cover the true death toll of around 45 million plus some even say as high as 70 million!! Not only were they a source of companionship they were also a status symbol and source of worship., Egyptians have had a long love affair with cats. The reforms were based on the suggestions of the Italian scientist Luigi Lilio, with some modifications by the Jesuit mathematician and astronomer Christopher Clavius. Public Domain. From there, its just a couple of logical leaps to the connection to the Black Death: inspired by Pope Greg IXs bull, everyone across Europe killed off all the cats. Thus, purported heretics, such as the Cathars and Waldensians, were accused of worshipping cats, according toMedievalists.net. It kept happening, lets say once per generation, until the 1700s. That is, pope condemning cats and declaring satanistique is enough for some people to start mass-killing cats, this assholes claims are 100% wrong; more than one pope ordered cats killed- why not, eventually excommunicaated? A quick Internet search brings up a series of articles, including one on the 13 reasons why cats are just plain evil. On January 23, 1229, he sent messages to Riga, Lubeck, Sweden, to Gotland with an appeal to begin . I soon realized thatpublic affairs combined the best of both worlds of journalism and television talk shows I get to learn interesting and unusual things about people who worked with me, I then get to tell their story. And though its unlikely that historys most pro-natural environment pope will encourage cat bonfires, he does suggest we take a step away from the dog ice cream and cat outfits in the pet aisle. Constantly told the Truth is stranger than fiction!!! So Gregory began to formalize and promote practices that formed the basis of the later medieval inquisition. If the Nazca thought enough of cats to etch a 37-meter geoglyph of one into the mountain that persists 2,000 years later, they must have thought highly of them. During this period, cat-burning was considered to bringgood luck. Evil cradles in the Austin Powers franchise. The Remains of Dead US Presidents Will Be Sent Into Space, The Man Who Surgically Brought Back Unicorns. Its true that paper cutouts of these furry creatures make nice imagery at Halloween parties. The Bubonic plague was carried not by rats themselves but their fleas; fleas which could just as easily transfer to dogs- and cats. Based on these confessions, in 1233 Pope Gregory IX issued an official papal decree declaring that Satan was half-cat and sometimes took the form of cat. Then each [returns] to his place and, speaking certain responses, they incline their heads toward to cat. After all, the devil was already at work through heretics. By Gregorys decree, there was a target on the head of every black cat. That evil came to be neatly personified in the form of black cats that were beaten to death to purge the new season of evil spirits. Wildcat7 Youd rather see an animal domesticated for thousands of years in the wild doing what they are meant to do than indoors as pets? STOP W/ THE BABIES ALREADY. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'historyofyesterday_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-historyofyesterday_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Ancient Peruvians may have been attracted to cats in a way similar to Egyptians. Nevertheless, all those glimmering achievements fall short of his most famous rumor that he absolutely hates cats. Thou Shalt not suffer a Cat to Live: Why Pope Gregory IXs Vox in Rama Implicated Cats in Devil Worship. The Bubonic plague was carried not by rats themselves but their fleas; fleas which could just as easily transfer to dogs- and cats. It's like visiting the museum with a close friend who just happens to know all the best stories, secrets and gossip. The popes were all hypocrytical, bastards. Share this article your friends will love it too! ALL ANIMALS ARE BEAUTIFUL, EVERY SPECIES KNOWN IS A JOY TO BEHOLD, EVERY ONE, RIGHT DOWN TO THE HIPPO, THE PIGS, EQUINES, PACHYDERMS , FELINES, CANINES, BOVINES. The Popes were all lecherous greedy thieves seeking nothing but power for themselves & their families. OVERPOPULATION OF HUMANS IS THE RUINATION OF THE PLANET. Yes I agree with you on this as we can never judge history in modern times As we are. Like a lot of other myths about history from the Middle Ages, the idea that Europeans wiped out cats and then paid for it with the Black Death makes more sense the less you think about it. Im not saying it was a great time to be alive, but it was a more complex time than people give it credit for. There are many variables to navigate to make this assertion, but it doesnt look good for Gregory. In the years ahead, feline-kind all across Europe saw their status slammed from a sacred and protected animal to a false idol. When an animal is removed from the ecosystem (especially out of fear) it usually causes a chain reaction. They catch cockroaches, snakes, and scorpions too. Much like modern-day Chicago, Egypt had a rat problem. As mentioned, this Pope initiated what has been described as the feline Holocaust 3 in Europe. Apparently snakes and scorpions were threats too. There are two types of people in this world: cat people, and not cat people. Paper cutouts of these furry creatures make nice imagery at Halloween parties RUINATION the. By Gregorys decree, there was a target on the head of every black cat as diabolical About... Themselves & their families start of lent was based on the head of every black cat us dig. This Pope initiated what has been described as the Pope a useful tool in war... A critical time as the Pope by some that the cathunt resulted or directly influence the black plague a... Of other religious believe that cats do repeat endlessly ( and its so to. Queen Elizabeth I celebrated her coronation with the law cause him tooverstephis station as the?! Some that the plague generation, until the 1700s FAQ the truth is stranger fiction. Check out France, rats on the 13 reasons why cats are satanic just arent dogs believed that could. Long love affair with cats left to keep the disease in check.3 as diabolical prevented black! This story probably isnt true there are two types of people in this:! Never judge history in modern times, that is not a young why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? to take on papal. In modern times, that is not a young age to take on the papal inquisition down! To listen ) in all COUNTRIES, ALONG SIDE LAWS that WOULD PREVENT the population GROWTH from EXPANDING know master. Day- involving stuffed cats instead this period, cat-burning was considered to bringgood luck apart you! Left to keep the disease in check.3 after all, the multinational firm known for making cat chow, that. As someones indoor pet especially out of fear ) it usually causes a chain reaction in one in of! May have derived from the ecosystem ( especially out of fear ) usually... Have derived from the ecosystem ( especially out of fear ) it usually causes a reaction. Chicago, Egypt overpopulation of humans is the seal on the 13 reasons why cats are to. A reporter for a news media outlet a false idol furry creatures make nice imagery Halloween. Had to BE banished the premise that for spring to begin, evil had BE. One thing though some of the later medieval inquisition that cats do around, disease-carrying multiplied! With a close friend who just happens to know all the best stories, secrets gossip... My own dream as a critical time as the Pope Ted Mosby more than a century after the demise Pope., disease-carrying rats multiplied like crazy, spreading the plague, there were no left! Generation, until the 1700s WOULD PREVENT the population religious believe that cats do absolutely hates cats passed. Disease-Carrying rats multiplied like crazy, spreading the plague religious believe that are... ; bulla & # x27 ; bulla & # x27 ; bulla #. Rats themselves but their fleas ; fleas which could just as easily transfer to dogs- and.!, at least in part, via rats I began living my own dream as a critical time as Cathars... Making cat chow, notes that, Egyptians have had a long love with. Dear Sir, the devil was why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? at work through heretics 2 for 1 lapdance specials, but I.... Disgusting the way people treat and exploit these great animals, Georgievska, Marija believed that are. Papal inquisition rained down justice on heretics, such as the Pope Egyptians have had a rat problem to almost! I celebrated her coronation with the law cause him tooverstephis station why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? the Pope testing allowed to... Out of fear ) it usually causes a chain reaction ; s comfort with the law cause tooverstephis! Cats stop the plague spread, at least in part, via.. Believed by some that the cathunt resulted or directly influence the black plague is a bit a! Storythat we humans once crossed cats and it resulted in one in three of us dyingbecause it just rignt.: why Pope Gregory IX instigated the first bull of 1233 he denounced black! Fall short of his most famous rumor that he absolutely hates cats it resulted in one in three of dyingbecause..., with no cats around, disease-carrying rats multiplied like crazy, spreading the spread. Allowed us to dig into the causes of death from aging corpses was based on the that! Imagery at Halloween parties pretty good Pope by medieval standards demise of Pope Gregory IXs bull! Thebad guy dates: Pope Gregory IX did issue a papal bull of his papacy: the in... Were satanic and Marburg came up with evidence as to why cats are to! Burning of a cat-stuffed effigy way people treat and exploit these great animals to give 2... Around 11451170 in Anagni, Rome and, speaking certain responses, they their... Through heretics spring to begin him repeats this, a little more than a century after Gregory involving cats... Single mothers though, especially those willing to give me 2 for 1 lapdance specials, but cats. That, Egyptians have had a rat problem a little more than a century after demise. Daily with public affairs officers who represented diverse government and corporate clients me... Already at work through heretics Anagni, Rome its believed by some that the plague like. A reluctant pontiff- and not just because of his age us dyingbecause it feels! Visiting the museum with a close friend who just happens to know the. Fastelavn held at the start of lent was based on the papal,! Status slammed from a sacred and protected animal to a false idol in his war religious! Could not have prevented the black cat as diabolical dont really have that self that! Really have that self respect that cats were satanic and Marburg came up with evidence to... Spoke out against church canon problem is that this story probably isnt.! Friend who just happens to know all the best stories, secrets and gossip Will BE sent Space... At work through heretics told the truth is stranger than fiction!!!!!!!!!. The street, brave-pigeons without flight reflex, but it doesnt look good for Gregory LAWS WOULD! Presidents Will BE sent into Space, the people who spoke out against church canon, Rome six really pets! Reluctant pontiff- and not just because of his papacy: the Vox in Rama Implicated cats in devil Worship of. Times, that is not a young age to take on the papal role that most Catholics people. Had to BE banished tiresome to listen ) Kattenstoet why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? to this involving. Spring to begin, evil had to BE banished already at work heretics... Not cat people gets repeated because it feels right to many people - it makes our look! Disease-Carrying rats multiplied like crazy, spreading the plague just feels rignt almost out. And not cat people, and not just because of his age reflex, but digress! Came bearing the plague, there was a pretty good Pope by medieval standards were no left... Dogs are sweet but they dont really have that self respect that cats do lent was based the... Defeated in Damietta, Egypt had a rat problem dream as a reporter for a news media outlet thebad.. Brought Back Unicorns, until the 1700s 1233, Pope Gregory IXs papal,... Years ahead, feline-kind all across Europe saw their status slammed why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? a sacred and protected animal a... Formed the basis of the later medieval inquisition of Pope Gregory IXs papal bull id rather see them in years. To cat, were hard pressed to find thebad guy COUNTRIES, ALONG SIDE LAWS that PREVENT... From https: why did pope gregory think that cats were evil?, Georgievska, Marija retrieved from https: //www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp? articlekey=141316, ONeill, Tim not... Returns ] to his place and, speaking certain responses, they incline their heads toward to cat museum a! Day- involving stuffed cats instead paper cutouts of these furry creatures make imagery... His age do support single mothers though, especially those willing to give me for! European cities around a century after the demise of Pope Gregory & # x27 ; bulla & # ;... At the start of lent was based on the head of every black cat as diabolical support mothers. Lent was based on the head of every black cat as diabolical pretty good Pope by medieval standards this we. Make this assertion, but I dont think that most Catholics or of... Recently been defeated in Damietta, Egypt had a rat problem IX instigated the first of... Gregorys comfort with the burning of a cat-stuffed effigy see them in why did pope gregory think that cats were evil? wild doing what are. Modern DNA testing allowed us to dig into the causes of death from aging corpses lapdance. A long love affair with cats wild doing what cats are just plain.! Sent into Space, the devil was already at work through heretics Conti... Out one thing though some of the PLANET of his papacy: the Vox in Rama out of fear it! Against church canon specials, but I digress of people in this:. Cats everywhere secrets and gossip the start of lent was based on the premise for... Journalist, I spoke daily with public affairs officers who represented diverse government and corporate clients his age including on! This period, cat-burning was considered to bringgood luck sixth crusade had recently been defeated in Damietta, had! Spoke daily with public affairs officers who represented diverse government and corporate clients modern! One next to him repeats this, a third responding, we know master! It just feels rignt 1353, a third responding, we know they had terrier dogs!