Popes

Evolution of Ghost's Popes through the years

The Papa Emeritus I Era

2010-2012

The origin. Papa Emeritus I was the first to wear the mitre and inverted grucifix, leading Ghost from total anonymity to the first European stages with Opus Eponymous, the album that defined the band's sonic and visual identity forever.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Simon Söderberg - Lead guitar

Martin Persner - Rhythm guitar

Gustaf Lindström - Bass

Crust - Drums

Albums: 2

The Papa Emeritus II Era

2012-2015

The seductor. Papa Emeritus II transformed Ghost from underground cult to global phenomenon. More charismatic, more sexual and more ambitious than his predecessor, he led the Infestissumam era and took the band to first-tier world stadiums and festivals.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Simon Söderberg - Lead guitar

Martin Persner - Rhythm guitar

Mauro Rubino - Keyboards

Linton Rubino - Bass

Crust - Drums

Albums: 2

The Papa Emeritus III Era

2015-2017

The rockstar. Papa Emeritus III was the most human, most charismatic and most beloved of the classic Papas. His era spanned Meliora and Popestar, catapulted Ghost to the global mainstream with a Grammy, and took the band to the world's biggest stages.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Simon Söderberg - Lead guitar

Martin Persner - Rhythm guitar

Mauro Rubino - Keyboards

Martin Hjertstedt - Drums

Henrik Palm - Rhythm guitar · Bass

Chris Catalyst - Rhythm guitar

Per Eriksson - Lead guitar

Cos Sylvan - Bass

Hayden Scott - Drums

Laura Scarborough - Keyboards · Keytar

Mad Gallica - Keyboards · Percussion

Albums: 3

The Cardinal Copia Era

2018-2020

The outsider. Cardinal Copia arrived with no lineage, no crown, and no trust from the Clergy, forced to earn his place from scratch. Clumsy, comical and surprisingly charming, he led the Prequelle era and became the most beloved frontman before his ceremonial ascension to Papa.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Chris Catalyst - Rhythm guitar

Per Eriksson - Lead guitar

Cos Sylvan - Bass

Hayden Scott - Drums

Jutty Taylor - Guitar · Saxophone (as Papa Nihil)

Laura Scarborough - Keyboards · Keytar

Mad Gallica - Keyboards · Percussion

Sophie Amelkin - Multi-instrumentalist · Vocals

Albums: 2

The Papa Emeritus IV Era

2020-2023

The longest. Papa Emeritus IV was the first frontman to survive more than one album cycle, leading both Impera and Phantomime. His era was also the narratively richest: ascension, Papa Nihil's death, the Rite Here Rite Now documentary, and his final transformation into Frater Imperator.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Chris Catalyst - Rhythm guitar

Per Eriksson - Lead guitar

Cos Sylvan - Bass

Hayden Scott - Drums

Jutty Taylor - Guitar · Saxophone (as Papa Nihil)

Laura Scarborough - Keyboards · Keytar

Mad Gallica - Keyboards · Percussion

Albums: 3

The Papa V Perpetua Era

2025-presente

The new chapter. Papa V Perpetua is the most mysterious frontman since Papa Emeritus I, arriving with a completely new identity, a Darth Vader-like distorted voice, and the weight of being the fraternal twin brother of the powerful Frater Imperator. His arrival in 2025 with Skeletá catapulted Ghost to #1 on the Billboard 200.

Members:

Tobias Forge - Vocals & leader

Per Eriksson - Lead guitar

Cos Sylvan - Bass

Hayden Scott - Drums

Laura Scarborough - Keyboards · Keytar

Gabriela Guncikova - Vocals · Keyboards

Olivia Morreale - Multi-instrumentalist · Vocals

Randy Moore - Rhythm guitar

Albums: 1

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