Ghost is famous for its bizarre characters that pique the curiosity of even those who don't consider themselves fans of the band.
In each cycle of Ghost, the band's leader, Tobias Forge , introduces a new character to himself, accompanied by the Nameless Ghouls , anonymous members of the band.
Starting in 2010 with Papa Emeritus I for the debut album Opus Eponymous (2010) , moving on to Papas II and III in Infestissumam (2013) and Meliora (2015), respectively, and to Prequelle (2018), a Cardinal. Now, with Cardinal Copia being updated for the Impera (2022), the characters are stranger and scarier – and a little more confusing.
Metal Hammer has created a definitive guide to all the characters in the band's universe so far. Check it out below!
Pope Emeritus I
Active period: 2010-2012.
Papa Emeritus I is the original pope in Ghost's history, being introduced on their debut album, Opus Eponymous.
Pope Emeritus II
Active period: 2013-2015.
For the album Infestissumam, Tobias played Papa Emeritus II, which, as the name suggests, didn't bring much new to the character's appearance or story.
Pope Emeritus III
Active period: 2015-2017.
Supposedly the younger brother of Papa Emeritus II, Papa Emeritus III brought a new energy to Ghost, shedding his papal robes for a stylish suit and boots look that came with a series of sexually charged stage moves. This set a new precedent for the dynamics of how Ghost's shows normally functioned, for example, the costume changes only increased. Papa Emeritus III ended up being unceremoniously killed off, along with his two predecessors, his decapitated head appearing on the cover of Metal Hammer in 2018.
Papa Nihil
Active period: alive between 1969-2020 and 2020-2022 as the spirit
Papa Nihil made his live debut seconds after Papa III was dragged off the stage in Sweden in late 2017. Apparently, his role was that of mentor to papas and papas in waiting. Papa 0 was rudely eliminated live on stage in Mexico in 2020. Then he resurrected in 2022 to play the saxophone, an instrument he had previously played on stage.
Cardinal Copy
Active period: 2018-2020.
With a less papal look, Cardinal Copia brought a touch of audacity to the Ghost church. Tobias Forge once suggested to us that, unlike previous Ghost vocalists, Cardi Copia could actually stick around for a few albums – and he was partly right. In March 2020, on stage in Mexico, the Cardinal was surrounded by the clergy and transformed into Pope Emeritus IV.
Pope Emeritus IV
Active period: 2020-2023.
The Cardinal has been updated to serve as the fourth Pope Emeritus. With more luxurious attire, he appears as the most bombastic and over-the-top era of Ghost.
The Nameless Ghouls
Active period: 2010–present.
The Nameless Ghouls are the band members, those who appear on stage with the popes and cardinals. The figures are mysterious and anonymous on purpose, maintaining authority and power in Tobias Forge. They have their own update with each album cycle.
Sister Imperator
Active period: 1969-2024
A behind-the-scenes figure, the mysterious Sister Imperator has appeared in several videos published by Ghost in recent years, and she seems to have a particular (maternal) affinity with Cardinal/Pope IV.
Mr. Saltarian
Active period: unknown-currently.
First introduced in chapter 10 of the Ghost video series, Mr. Saltarian is yet another mysterious religious figure with definite, but somewhat obscure, connections to the clergy. With the fate of poor Papa IV seemingly uncertain in the most recent Ghost chapters, it appears Mr. Saltarian may have a role to play in the frontman's ultimate destiny.
Father Jim Defroque
Active period: unknown - currently
featured in a half-hour YouTube special titled Jesus Talk With Father Jim Defroque, released on Easter Sunday 2023. It is still unknown where he fits into the Ghost storyline.
Frater Imperator
Active period: 2023-Present.
Formerly Papa Emeritus IV and Cardinal Copia, Frater Imperator was the fourth vocalist of Ghost, his tenure being the longest of any vocalist. He is considered the first vocalist not to be part of the Emeritus lineage. He is the illegitimate son of Papa Nihil and Sister Imperator. Currently, his role is as the head of the Clergy.
Pope V Perpetua
Active period: 2025 – present.
The current Papa Emeritus, who assumed the position after the death of his brother, Papa Emeritus IV/Cardinal Copia. The most recent vocalist of Ghost, succeeding Frater Imperator. His ascension to the papacy was announced with the release of the album Skeletá . Papa V Perpetua is the twin brother of Frater Imperator and son of Papa Nihil and Sister Imperator.
Marika Psaltarian
Active period: 2025 – present.
She was first introduced in Chapter 20: The Arrival of a Secret Agent , where she is described as the person in charge, since her husband, Mr. Saltarian, is traveling. She is the aunt of Frater Imperator and Papa V Perpetua. She raised Frater Imperator along with her husband and holds a position in the ministry lower than that of Chief, but is the boss of the new employee Judith. In the comic book, she is the sister of Sister Imperator, who entrusts her with the task of caring for her newborn twins: Cardinal Copia and Perpetua.
Judith
Active period: 2025 – present.
Judith is a new named character in the story. Upon meeting Mrs. Psaltarian, she becomes a new employee (or secret agent) of the Clergy. In Chapter 20: The Arrival of a Secret Agent , she meets Frater Imperator, the new Head of the Clergy, despite her dislike of the arrangement. It is presumed that she is the "secret agent" of the title and that she handles Ghost's social media.
