Papa Emeritus Nihil, formerly known as "Papa Emeritus Zero", is a member of The Clergy, and was the frontman of Ghost during the Seven Inches of Satanic Panic cycle in 1969. He is the father of Papa Emeritus, Papa Emeritus II, Papa Emeritus III, and Frater Imperator. He died on March 3, 2020, after "Miasma" was performed at the final show of the Prequelle touring cycle in Mexico City. As of September 2022 he remains the last confirmed member of the original Papa Emeritus bloodline, though it is heavily implied that he also fathered Papa Emeritus IV as a former lover of Sister Imperator. This is later confirmed in the band's debut film "Rite Here Rite Now".
Appearance[]
As of current, Papa Nihil is a very elderly man, often employing the use of a walking cane or breathing mask from time to time. His skull facepaint is somewhat smudged, while his shoulder length hair has grayed completely and is slightly messy. Unlike his sons, who all have one white iris, both of his eyes are completely clouded white, most likely as a result of old age. He is mostly seen wearing a white chasuble.
During his time as the frontman of the band in 1969, Papa Nihil had a fuller and more refined skull facepaint, and medium-length black hair. He sported an all-black outfit, complemented by a Grucifix necklace.
Papa Nihil is portrayed by more than one person--In the Ghost chapters, An actor named Alan Ursillo plays his current self, while Justin Andrews plays his younger self as he appears in visions. Justin also plays NIhil's younger self in the music videos for Dance Macabre, Mary on a Cross and Kiss The Go-Goat. Meanwhile, he is played on-stage in concerts by a Multighoul (also know as Swiss Army Ghoul) in a custom-made mask by Jerry Constantine.
History[]
Papa Nihil first appeared on September 30, 2017. While the band was performing Monstrance Clock, two men came up on stage and dragged Papa III away, ending the song abruptly. Soon after, two men came up on stage escorting Papa Nihil (at the time known as "Papa Emeritus Zero") who addressed the crowd in Italian: "I am Papa Emeritus Zero, the party is over. The middle ages have begun", before being escorted off stage. Nihil's introduction was the first time a member of Ghost aside from Tobias Forge received a character name. He has henceforth appeared on stage to perform the saxophone solo on “Miasma" in tours thereafter.
Papa Nihil, along with Sister Imperator and The Clergy, killed Papa Emeritus, Papa Emeritus II, and Papa Emeritus III on April 30, 2018. They were embalmed and displayed during the Prequelle and Impera touring cycles.
Papa Nihil passed away on March 3, 2020, in Mexico City, after the performance of Miasma.
He was resurrected in April of 2022 to play Miasma's final section before passing again. He has been revived repeatedly on-stage during the Imperatour to continue performing this duty.
Gallery[]
