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Malaria as a Papal Disease
Carmela Bisaccia1, Luca Salvatore De Santo, Natale Gaspare De Santo
1From the Mazzini Institute University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Objectives:
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of malaria on the lives of Roman pontiffs.
Materials And Methods:
The histories of all 264 popes from Saint Peter to John Paul II were extensively studied.
Results:
Malaria affected the lives of Roman pontiffs. Between 999 AD and 1644 AD, 21 of 99 popes were affected by malaria (21.4%). The first affected was Gregory V and the last was Urban VII, the 138th and the 235th pope, respectively. There were 15 deaths (15.2%). Six pontiffs (6.1%) were infected but survived. Many cardinals and their assistants, especially those coming from northern countries, contracted malaria during conclaves, and many died.
Conclusions:
By about 450 BC, malaria had arrived in Rome. By the second century BC, malaria was endemic. It affected the lives of Roman people. To prevent infection, the popes adopted the custom of ancient affluent Romans who used to spend summer months in high plains far from Rome. The first to adopt the custom was Paul I in 767, who just moved his residence to Saint Paul, out of the walls. Sixtus V started the Congregation of Waters and Streets, which was routinely reinforced by his successors until 1860, when the Kingdom of Italy was born.
Insights
Malaria significantly impacted Roman pontiffs, affecting 21.4% of popes between 999-1644 AD, with a 15.2% mortality rate. Popes adopted preventative measures by relocating during summer months to avoid malaria transmission.
Area of Science:
- Historical epidemiology
- Medical history
- Papal history
Background:
- Malaria has a long history in Rome, endemic by the second century BC.
- The disease significantly affected the Roman population.
- Papal history intersects with public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical impact of malaria on Roman pontiffs.
- To identify the prevalence and mortality rates of malaria among popes.
- To understand adaptive strategies employed by pontiffs against malaria.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of papal records from Saint Peter to John Paul II.
- Examination of documented cases of malaria among popes.
- Review of historical public health practices adopted by the papacy.
Main Results:
- Malaria affected 21.4% of 99 popes between 999-1644 AD.
- Mortality rate due to malaria was 15.2% among affected pontiffs.
- Many cardinals and staff, particularly from northern regions, contracted and died from malaria during conclaves.
Conclusions:
- Malaria posed a significant health risk throughout the papacy.
- Pontiffs adopted strategies, like seasonal relocation, to mitigate malaria exposure.
- Public health initiatives were implemented to combat the disease's spread.
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