Actually, the chair does exist. But its creation predates the legend of Pope Joan by many centuries, and its use was a couple centuries after Pope Joan supposedly lived. And given how many robes and that the pope wears during his coronation (when it was used), can you possibly imagine how awkward it would have to be to sit on the throne in such a way as to allow someone underneath to reach up and check gender?
well, what’s really starnge is that one of the descriptions that is bandied about regarding this “inspection” is that the pope would be naked. If he’s naked, then why would there be a need for the chair?
The story makes no sense!