Benedict XII
France·14th century·Medieval Papacy·Cistercian Order
Pope Benedict XII, born Jacques Fournier, was the third Avignon Pope, serving from 1334 to 1342. He is known for reforming monastic orders, opposing nepotism, and initiating the construction of the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Benedict XII also settled the beatific vision controversy with his bull Benedictus Deus.
Key Facts
- ›Born Jacques Fournier in Saverdun, County of Foix.
- ›Became Abbot of Fontfroide Abbey and Bishop of Pamiers and Mirepoix.
- ›Known for his rigorous measures against Cathars, documented in the Fournier Register.
- ›Elected Pope Benedict XII in 1334, taking the name on January 8, 1335.
- ›Initiated the construction of the Palais des Papes in Avignon.
- ›Died on April 25, 1342, and was buried in Avignon.
White Cardinal
- Reformed Monastic Orders
- Opposed Nepotism
- Started the Great Palace At Avignon
- Issued the Bull Benedictus Deus
- Failed To Bring the Holy Roman Empire Back Under Papal Dominance
Avignon, Emperor Louis Iv, Philip Vi of France, John Xxii, Fournier Register, Cathars, Palais Des Papes
About Benedict XII
Pope Benedict XII
Pope Benedict XII, born Jacques Fournier around 1285 in Saverdun, County of Foix, was a significant figure of the Avignon Papacy. Before his election, he was a member of the Cistercian Order, a cardinal, and an inquisitor. He served as Pope from December 30, 1334, until his death on April 25, 1342, making him the third Avignon Pope.
Life and Historical Context
Jacques Fournier joined the Cistercian Order and studied at the University of Paris. He rose through the ecclesiastical ranks, becoming Abbot of Fontfroide Abbey in 1311. He later served as Bishop of Pamiers and Mirepoix, where he undertook rigorous measures against the Cathars, meticulously documenting his investigations in the Fournier Register. His efforts against heresy and his organizational abilities led to his elevation to cardinal in 1327, earning him the nickname the "white cardinal" due to his continued Cistercian cowl.
Papacy and Major Contributions
Benedict XII's pontificate was marked by efforts to reform the Curia and secular clergy, aiming to curb avarice and nepotism. His most significant reforms targeted religious orders. A pivotal moment of his papacy was the promulgation of the apostolic constitution Benedictus Deus in 1336, which clarified the Church's doctrine on the beatific vision, stating that souls achieve full vision of God immediately after death, prior to the Last Judgment. Unable to relocate the papacy to Rome or Bologna, Benedict XII initiated the construction of the grand papal palace in Avignon, laying the foundation for the Palais des Papes.
Important Relationships and Conflicts
Benedict XII engaged in complex diplomatic relations, particularly with Emperor Louis IV of the Holy Roman Empire, attempting to restore papal dominance, though these efforts were unsuccessful. He also interacted with Philip VI of France, with whom his relations were often strained despite his French origin. His papacy saw him refrain from direct intervention in Italian affairs, instead issuing absolutions for Ghibelline cities in exchange for peace.
Legacy
Pope Benedict XII is remembered for his administrative and theological reforms, his role in establishing the Avignon papal residence through the commencement of the Palais des Papes, and his definitive statement on the beatific vision. His pontificate addressed key issues of Church governance and doctrine during a turbulent period in European history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Benedict XII?
Pope Benedict XII, born Jacques Fournier, was the third Avignon Pope, serving from December 30, 1334, until his death on April 25, 1342. He was a cardinal and inquisitor before his election.
What were Pope Benedict XII's major reforms?
Benedict XII focused on reforming monastic orders and curbing clerical avarice and nepotism. He also worked to address abuses in the granting of benefices.
What is the significance of the bull Benedictus Deus?
The bull Benedictus Deus, issued by Benedict XII in 1336, settled the beatific vision controversy of Pope John XXII. It stated that souls may attain the 'fullness of the beatific vision' before the Last Judgment.
Did Pope Benedict XII move the papacy back to Rome?
No, Benedict XII was unable to remove his capital to Rome or Bologna. Instead, he initiated the construction of the great palace at Avignon, which would later become the Palais des Papes.
What was Pope Benedict XII's relationship with Emperor Louis IV?
Benedict XII attempted to resolve differences with Emperor Louis IV and bring the Holy Roman Empire back under papal dominance. Despite diplomatic efforts, these attempts ultimately failed.
Related Popes
Innocent VI
Pope Innocent VI, born Étienne Aubert, was the fifth Avignon Pope and ruled from 1352 to 1362. A former civil law professor, he introduced significant reforms in church administration and aimed to restore order in Rome through his legate Cardinal Albornoz. His papacy was marked by financial challenges stemming from wars and plague, leading him to economize and sell artworks.
Adrian VI
Pope Adrian VI was the only Dutchman to become pope and the last non-Italian pope until John Paul II. He served during a period of significant crisis for the Catholic Church, facing threats from Lutheranism and the Ottoman Turks. Despite attempting reforms and acknowledging the Roman Curia's faults, his efforts were largely unsuccessful due to resistance from contemporaries and his short pontificate.
Urban VI
Pope Urban VI, born Bartolomeo Prignano, was head of the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1389. His pontificate marked the beginning of the Western Schism, a period of immense conflict caused by rival papal factions. He was the last pope elected from outside the College of Cardinals.