Women still locked out of church leadership, despite huge impact on their lives

For centuries, it was believed that in the Middle Ages, a woman who was particularly astute and talented disguised herself as a man and rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church until she eventually became pope. For two years, it was said, Pope Joan led the church, until her gender was shockingly discovered during a procession and she was stoned to death.This was spoken of from the 13th to the 16th century, when writers began to query the lack of evidence, though some historians claim to have now gathered some clues. I might have asked a few questions, too, given the first time this story was likely mentioned was by Dominican Jean de Mailly, who described Joan's unveiling like this: "One day, while mounting a horse, she gave birth to a child."While mounting a horse. Gave birth. Just popped out a baby, mid-air. Find me one woman who has ever given birth whilst hopping onto a horse and I'll tell you the name of the next pope.I understand people's fascination with the story, though; s...