On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis — a spiritual leader known for his progressive views, compassion, and commitment to inclusion. His death prompted a global reflection not only on his legacy but also on the deeper and often complex history of the Catholic Church. While many chapters in that history are marked by reform and enlightenment, there are also stories steeped in superstition and mystery. One such tale takes us back to the 13th century — to Pope Gregory IX and the so-called “Curse of the Cats.”
Medieval Europe: A Time of Faith, Fear, and Folklore
The 13th century was a period when the Catholic Church wielded immense power. Religion was not just a matter of faith but was deeply entwined with the social, political, and cultural life of Europe. Pope Gregory IX, who reigned from 1227 to 1241, was a formidable figure known for strengthening the Church’s authority and taking a hardline stance against heresy.
This was also an era rife with fear and superstition. Natural disasters, diseases, and societal turmoil were often attributed to divine punishment or the influence of demonic forces. Against this backdrop, suspicion and fear of the supernatural ran deep.
The “Vox in Rama” – A Papal Bull with Lasting Shadows
In 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued a papal bull titled “Vox in Rama.” Addressed to the Archbishop of Mainz and other Church leaders in Germany, the document described the alleged practices of a heretical group known as the “Luciferians.”
According to the bull, these heretics worshiped Satan and incorporated a black cat — or an image of one — into their rituals. It was claimed that the devil sometimes appeared in the form of a cat. Though the intent of the bull was to condemn heretical practices, it unintentionally laid the groundwork for a long-standing association between black cats and evil.
Importantly, Vox in Rama did not explicitly declare all cats as evil or call for their extermination. However, in a medieval world fueled by fear and imagination, the document was interpreted far beyond its original intent.
Myth or Reality: Did the Cats Really Suffer?
After the issuance of Vox in Rama, folklore suggests that black cats began to be persecuted across parts of Europe. Seen as omens of misfortune or as the devil’s companions, they were allegedly hunted, burned, or shunned.
This narrative gained more weight during the Black Death in the 14th century. Some theories suggest that the mass killing of cats — seen as evil — led to a spike in the rat population, which in turn helped spread the plague. In this version of history, the “curse of the cats” becomes an ironic tragedy: by trying to destroy an animal associated with evil, humanity may have worsened its own suffering.
The Historical Truth: A More Nuanced View
Modern historians offer a more measured perspective. Scholars like Donald Engels, in his book Classical Cats, argue that there was no widespread or coordinated massacre of cats. The impact of Vox in Rama was mostly confined to certain regions of Germany, and many communities continued to value cats for their role in pest control.
In fact, medieval art and manuscripts sometimes depict cats positively. Monasteries and villages often kept them to deal with rodents, and their practical utility was widely recognized despite the superstitions.
Conclusion: When Fear Shaped a False Legacy
The story of Pope Gregory IX and the “curse of the cats” serves as a reminder of how fear, misunderstanding, and power can shape narratives that endure for centuries. Even today, black cats are considered bad luck in many cultures — a superstition perhaps rooted in these medieval fears.
However, leaders like Pope Francis, who championed reason, inclusion, and scientific understanding, have worked to dismantle such harmful beliefs. His legacy reminds us that progress lies in learning from history — in separating myth from fact, and in choosing compassion over fear.