The Forgotten History of Berlin’s Conflict with the Pope

The Day Berlin Got Ghosted by the Pope (Because of a Murdered Priest)

Yes, you read that right: Berlin once made the Pope so mad that he basically put the city in time-out... for 20 years. This isn’t a Netflix medieval drama—though it could be. Back in 1325, the city of Berlin committed what was, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, an unforgivable sin: its citizens murdered a priest. And not just any priest—Nikolaus von Bernau was a powerful church figure, and his death sent shockwaves all the way to Rome. Let’s rewind and break this down.

Meet Nikolaus von Bernau: The Wrong Priest at the Wrong Time

Nikolaus wasn’t just a regular church guy. He was a provost, which basically meant he was a VIP in medieval Church politics. On top of that, he advised some big-name nobles and was deeply connected to the Pope’s inner circle. Now, here’s the problem: Nikolaus was a loud and loyal supporter of the Pope, who was in a nasty power struggle with King Ludwig of Bavaria. The Pope had excommunicated the king (which is medieval speak for "you’re out of the club") because he didn’t like Ludwig’s grab for more power.

But Berlin? Berliners loved Ludwig. They wanted his son to rule their region. So when Nikolaus came to town and started talking trash about Ludwig and siding with the Pope, people were not happy.

Why Did They Kill Him? (No, Seriously—Why?!)

You’re probably thinking, “That escalated quickly.” And yep—it did. But back then, religion was politics, and cities like Berlin had a lot at stake. If Ludwig’s side lost, they could lose trade deals, protection, and influence. So when Nikolaus showed up spouting anti-Ludwig opinions, Berliners didn’t just see a priest—they saw a threat to their entire future. So… they killed him. A mob dragged Nikolaus out of a house on Spandauer Straße, beat him to death, and burned his body in the street. According to some accounts, they even kept the fire going to make sure nothing was left. It was brutal. And it was a message.

The Pope Responds: "No Jesus for You"

To say the Pope was furious is putting it lightly. His response? He hit Berlin with a papal interdict. That’s like the medieval version of being spiritually ghosted. For 20 years, Berlin couldn’t have:

Mass
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals

Seriously—no one could even get buried on church grounds. It was like a Catholic blackout.

Only the Franciscans and Dominicans were allowed to keep going, but the rest of the city was spiritually frozen. No prayers, no confessions. For a deeply religious society, this was devastating.

Oh, and it hurt financially too. Merchants and travelers didn’t want to do business with a cursed city. So yeah—business tanked.

Making It Right (Eventually)

Berlin eventually realized it had made a huge mistake. So, in 1335—ten years after the murder—they finally agreed to apologize. And it was a big apology.

They had to:

Build a reconciliation altar in the Marienkirche
Pay compensation to Nikolaus’s family
Erect a penance cross at the spot where the murder happened

Only then did the Pope lift the interdict in 1345—two decades after the crime. That’s 20 years of living in what felt like spiritual purgatory.

The Cross Still Stands

If you’re ever near the Marienkirche in Berlin, look for a simple stone cross. That’s the "Schuld- und Sühnekreuz", or “Cross of Guilt and Atonement.” It’s one of the oldest monuments in the city. Five small indentations once held eternal flames in memory of Nikolaus. It’s not flashy. But it’s powerful. A reminder that once upon a time, Berlin defied the Pope—and paid dearly for it.

Final Thoughts: When Cities Lose Their Cool

This story isn’t just about medieval drama. It’s a snapshot of a time when religion, politics, and public opinion could collide in dangerous ways. Berlin's “papal timeout” reminds us how quickly a political disagreement can spiral out of control—and how long the consequences can last.

So next time you're annoyed at a politician or a public figure... maybe take a breath before lighting any torches. Just a thought.