Emma Wilson
Pope Clement VII, the 219th pope and a member of the famous Italian Medici family, died on 25 September 1534. He was 56. Although it was rumoured that he died of poisonous mushrooms, there is no evidence to support this. He was buried in Saint Peter's Basilica and later transferred to a tomb in Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pope Clement VII |
| Born | 26 May 1478 |
| Birth Name | Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici |
| Birthplace | Florence, Italy |
| Parents | Son of Giuliano de' Medici, mother unknown |
| Father's Occupation | Assassinated one month before Giulio's birth |
| Education | Studied canon law at the University of Pisa |
| Occupation before Papacy | Cardinal, soldier, Grand Prior of Capua |
| Papacy | 19 November 1523 – 25 September 1534 |
| Age at Death | 56 |
| Place of Death | Rome |
| Cause of Death | Rumoured to be poisonous mushrooms, but likely natural causes |
| Burial Place | Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Clement VII's death by poisonous mushrooms
Pope Clement VII, born Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, was the 219th pope and a member of the famous Italian Medici family of Florence. He was born in 1478, one month after his father was assassinated following the Pazzi Conspiracy.
Clement VII's papacy began on November 19, 1523, and ended with his death on September 25, 1534. He was 56 years old. His death came just two days after he wrote a long letter of farewell to Emperor Charles.
It is believed that Pope Clement VII died from eating poisonous mushrooms. He died after two days of excruciating suffering. The toxic mushroom in question is believed to have been Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the 'death cap'. This deadly fungus causes severe gastroenteritis, followed by a period of remission, and then the collapse of all internal organs, leading to death within 48 hours of ingestion.
However, there is some debate surrounding the cause of his death. While he did display symptoms of Amanita phalloides poisoning, including liver failure and jaundice, these symptoms manifested over months rather than days. Additionally, Francesco Vettori, Clement's contemporary, wrote that the pope's death was a "disaster" that occurred during his lifetime, implying a prolonged illness rather than a sudden poisoning.
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Amanita phalloides, the deadly 'death cap' mushroom
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom. It is the most poisonous of all known mushrooms and is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related fatalities every year. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human.
The death cap is a large fungus, growing up to 15 cm across and 15 cm tall, with a domed or white cap, depending on its age. The cap is generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills, though the cap colour can vary, including white forms, and is thus not a reliable identifier. The gills are broad and free, pure white, turning cream or even slightly pink as they age. The spores are smooth and elliptical in shape, and the spore print is white. The stem is off-white and swollen at the base, sitting in a bag or volva, and can grow to between 7 and 15 cm high.
The death cap is similar in appearance to several edible mushroom species, including Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom, commonly consumed by humans, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. The white form of A. phalloides may be mistaken for edible species of Agaricus, especially the young fruit bodies, whose unexpanded caps conceal the telltale white gills.
The death cap contains three main groups of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. Amatoxins, especially α-amanitin, are the main toxins responsible for the toxic effects in humans. α-Amanitin inhibits RNA polymerase II, a vital enzyme in the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA), causing protein deficit and ultimately cell death. The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the first organ encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, though other organs, especially the kidneys, are susceptible.
Poisoning by the death cap mushroom can cause severe gastroenteritis, followed by a period of apparent remission, and then the collapse of all internal organs, leading to death within 48 hours at most from ingestion.
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The dangerous nature of wild mushrooms
It is important to approach wild mushrooms with caution as they can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. While some mushrooms are safe and edible, others can cause serious harm and even death. This was tragically demonstrated in the case of Pope Clement VII, who is believed to have died from consuming poisonous mushrooms. The pope is thought to have eaten death cap mushrooms, which are responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. This incident highlights the critical importance of being able to accurately identify mushrooms and understand the dangers they pose.
Wild mushrooms contain a diverse range of toxins, and consuming them can lead to a variety of negative health effects. These toxins can cause damage to multiple organ systems in the body, particularly the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some mushrooms act quickly, with symptoms appearing within minutes to hours of consumption, while others have a delayed effect, making it difficult to identify the cause of illness. The specific symptoms and their severity depend on the type of mushroom ingested and the amount consumed.
One of the most dangerous groups of toxic mushrooms is the Amanita species, which includes the death cap and destroying angel mushrooms. These mushrooms contain amatoxins, which are heat-stable toxins that resist destruction during cooking. Amatoxins cause severe liver damage, often resulting in death if left untreated. Another dangerous group is the Galerina species, which contains toxins that affect the central nervous system and can lead to hallucinations, muscle twitching, and seizures.
To avoid the dangers of wild mushrooms, it is crucial to properly identify them before consumption. There are safe and edible wild mushrooms, but accurate identification requires expertise. Beginners should avoid picking and consuming wild mushrooms unless they are with an experienced forager. Even similar-looking mushrooms can have vastly different levels of toxicity, so it is important to be cautious and always verify the identity of a mushroom using multiple reliable sources.
- Do not pick and eat wild mushrooms unless you are certain of their identity.
- Cook all wild mushrooms thoroughly before consuming.
- Avoid mushrooms with gills, as the most toxic mushrooms belong to this group.
- Cut mushrooms into small pieces to allow for even cooking and to make toxic ones less appetizing to children or pets.
- Wash your hands after handling wild mushrooms, and ensure that any utensils and surfaces that come into contact with them are also cleaned thoroughly.
In conclusion, wild mushrooms can be fascinating and even delicious, but they must be treated with respect and caution. The dangers they pose are very real, as illustrated by the unfortunate death of Pope Clement VII. By exercising caution, properly identifying mushrooms, and following safety guidelines, we can minimize the risks associated with wild mushrooms and safely enjoy the benefits they have to offer.
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The Pope's health before his death
Pope Clement VII, born Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, was the 219th pope and a member of the famous Italian Medici family. He was born in Florence in 1478, one month after his father was assassinated following the Pazzi Conspiracy.
Before his death on 25 September 1534, Clement VII was already in poor health. He had been ill for months, with his liver failing, his skin turning yellow, and his eyesight deteriorating. In fact, by August 1534, his doctors were already fearful for his life. However, despite his ailing health, he continued to carry out his papal duties. On 23 September 1534, just two days before his death, he wrote a long letter of farewell to Emperor Charles and affirmed Michelangelo to paint The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.
Clement VII's death has been attributed to various causes. It was rumoured that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms, specifically the Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the 'death cap'. This deadly fungus causes severe gastroenteritis, followed by a period of remission, and then the collapse of internal organs, leading to death within 48 hours of ingestion. However, there is no evidence to support this hypothesis, and some believe that his symptoms and illness duration do not align with mushroom poisoning. Other speculations include fumes from poisoned candles placed in his room, although it was more likely that he died from natural causes.
Clement VII's papacy, which began on 19 November 1523, was marked by political struggles and significant historical events. He was a patron of the arts, commissioning Michelangelo to fresco the Sistine Chapel. He also played a role in the Anglican Schism and the Sack of Rome in 1527. Despite his efforts, his papacy is generally regarded as tumultuous, and he was considered weak and unpopular in Rome.
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The rumours surrounding the Pope's death
Pope Clement VII, born Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, died on 25 September 1534 in Rome. He was 56 years old and had been reigning as pope for 10 years, 10 months, and 7 days.
Clement VII's death came after a long period of illness. He had been unwell for months, with his liver failing, his skin turning yellow, and his eyesight deteriorating. Just two days before his death, Clement wrote a long letter of farewell to Emperor Charles.
Despite the pope's prolonged illness, rumours circulated that he died from consuming poisonous mushrooms or inhaling fumes from poisoned candles. The Amanita phalloides mushroom, commonly known as the 'death cap', is a deadly fungus that causes severe gastroenteritis, followed by a period of remission, and ultimately the collapse of internal organs and death within 48 hours. However, some believe that the symptoms and duration of Clement VII's illness do not align with this hypothesis.
Clement VII's papacy was marked by political struggles and historical events such as the Sack of Rome in 1527 and the Anglican Schism. He was viewed as unpopular in Rome due to his wavering politics, which caused the rise of the Imperial party inside the Curia. His body was initially interred in Saint Peter's Basilica but was later transferred to a tomb in Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.
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Frequently asked questions
Pope Clement VII.
25 September 1534.
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the 'death cap'.
Initially, severe gastroenteritis. Then, after a period of remission, the collapse of internal organs, primarily the liver, and death within 48 hours.
Clement VII was already in poor health, with a failing liver, jaundice, partial blindness, and old age. He was so unwell at the beginning of August 1534 that his doctors feared for his life.
