The Pope VS. Cats
In a curious and seemingly unfathomable turn of events, Pope Gregory IX, in the 13th century, initiated an unusual campaign against cats. The Pope considered cats to be associated with witchcraft and heresy, leading to their widespread persecution. Cats were ruthlessly exterminated across Europe, especially during the Middle Ages, resulting in a significant reduction in their population.
Ironically, this mass eradication of cats inadvertently contributed to the proliferation of disease-carrying rodents, exacerbating the spread of the Black Death during the 14th century. Pope Gregory’s war against cats stands as a bizarre and ultimately counterproductive episode, highlighting the often irrational beliefs and actions that have shaped history, particularly during times of superstition and ignorance.