Gregory XI
Gregory XI was the seventh and last Avignon pope, and the most recent French pope. He is primarily known for returning the papal court to Rome in 1377, ending nearly 70 years of papal residency in Avignon. His death shortly thereafter precipitated the Western Schism.
Key Facts
- ›Born Pierre Roger de Beaufort around 1330 in Maumont, France.
- ›Became a cardinal deacon at eighteen, appointed by his uncle Pope Clement VI.
- ›Unanimously elected pope on December 30, 1370.
- ›Moved the papacy back to Rome in 1377, ending the Avignon Papacy.
- ›Died on March 27, 1378, shortly after returning to Rome.
- ›His return to Rome led to the Western Schism.
Pierre Roger de Beaufort
- Returned the Papal Court To Rome From Avignon.
- Confirmed A Treaty Between Sicily and Naples.
- Attempted To Organize A Crusade.
- Worked To Reform Corrupt Practices In Monastic Orders.
- Excommunicated and Declared War On Bernabo Visconti of Milan.
- Placed Florence Under Interdict During the War of the Eight Saints.
Avignon Papacy, Catherine of Siena, Western Schism, War of the Eight Saints, Florence, Milan
About Gregory XI
Pope Gregory XI
Pope Gregory XI (born Pierre Roger de Beaufort, c. 1329 – 27 March 1378) was the seventh and final pope of the Avignon Papacy and the most recent French pope. His pontificate, from December 30, 1370, to his death in March 1378, is historically significant primarily for his decision to end the nearly 70-year Avignon residency of the papacy and return the papal court to Rome.
Early Life and Election
Born Pierre Roger de Beaufort around 1330 in Maumont, France, he benefited from the patronage of his uncle, Pope Clement VI, who made him a cardinal deacon at the age of eighteen. He pursued studies at the University of Perugia, developing expertise as a canonist and theologian. Following the death of Pope Urban V, eighteen cardinals convened in Avignon for a conclave. On December 30, 1370, Cardinal Roger was unanimously elected Pope Gregory XI, accepting the papacy after initial hesitation. He was ordained a priest on January 4, 1371, and consecrated Bishop of Rome and crowned the following day in Avignon.
Pontificate and Return to Rome
Gregory XI's papacy was marked by significant diplomatic and military challenges. He attempted, unsuccessfully, to reconcile the Kings of France and England at the start of his reign. In 1372, he confirmed a treaty between Sicily and Naples, achieving a lasting settlement between the two papal fiefs. He also responded to pleas from Catherine of Siena, continuing Pope Urban V's call for peace among Christian nations and working to reform corrupt practices in monastic orders.
His papacy was heavily involved in the turbulent affairs of Italy. Lord Bernabo Visconti of Milan's territorial gains led Gregory XI to excommunicate him and declare war in 1372 against a Florentine-led coalition, initiating the War of the Eight Saints (1375–1378). Florence was excommunicated and placed under interdict in 1376. Catherine of Siena played a crucial role, advocating for peace and persuading Gregory XI that returning the papacy to Rome would bolster the influence of the Papal States and facilitate peace among the Italian city-states.
The return to Rome had been a long-standing issue since the papacy moved to Avignon in 1309. Despite opposition from the French king and many cardinals, Gregory XI began the journey on September 13, 1376. He departed Avignon, sailed from Marseille on October 2, and arrived in Italy, eventually making a solemn entrance into Rome on January 17, 1377.
Death and Legacy
Gregory XI did not long survive his return to Rome. He died on March 27, 1378, at the age of 48 or 49. His death was swiftly followed by the election of Pope Urban VI, an Italian, but this event, coupled with the circumstances of his return to Rome, precipitated the Western Schism. This schism, involving rival popes and dividing European allegiances, was not fully resolved until the Council of Constance in 1414–1418. Gregory XI's legacy is thus twofold: the successful repatriation of the papacy to its historic seat in Rome, and the subsequent crisis of the Western Schism that his pontificate indirectly unleashed.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Gregory XI?
Pope Gregory XI, born Pierre Roger de Beaufort, was the seventh and last Avignon pope. He served as head of the Catholic Church from 1370 until his death in 1378.
What is Pope Gregory XI most famous for?
He is most famous for returning the papal court to Rome in 1377, ending the nearly 70-year period of papal residency in Avignon, France.
What was the impact of Gregory XI's return to Rome?
His decision to move the papacy back to Rome was controversial and, following his death, directly led to the Western Schism, a major schism that divided the Catholic Church.
Did Gregory XI try to reform the Church?
Yes, Gregory XI made efforts to reform corrupt practices within various monastic orders, such as addressing issues with collecting fees and exhibiting false relics of saints.
What was the War of the Eight Saints?
The War of the Eight Saints (1375–1378) was a conflict initiated by Gregory XI against the city of Florence and a coalition of Italian city-states. He excommunicated Florence and placed it under interdict in an attempt to quell their opposition, particularly regarding his expansion of the Papal States upon his return to Rome.
Related Popes
Urban V
Pope Urban V, born Guillaume de Grimoard, was a Benedictine monk and the only Avignon pope to be beatified. He reigned from 1362 to 1370, attempting to reform the Church, restore monasteries, and reunite the Eastern and Western Churches. His pontificate was marked by his simple lifestyle, efforts to return the papacy to Rome, and patronage of education.
Clement V
Pope Clement V, born Bertrand de Got, was head of the Catholic Church from 1305 until his death in 1314. A Frenchman, he is primarily remembered for moving the Papacy from Rome to Avignon, initiating the Avignon Papacy, and for suppressing the order of the Knights Templar, which led to the execution of many of its members.
John XXII
Pope John XXII, born Jacques Duèze, was the second and longest-reigning Avignon Pope, serving from 1316 to 1334. He centralized papal power and income, lived a princely life in Avignon, and engaged in significant conflicts with Emperor Louis IV the Bavarian and the Franciscan order over issues of papal authority and the poverty of Christ. John XXII is also known for canonizing Thomas Aquinas and for his controversial sermons on the beatific vision.