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.
Key Facts
- ›Born Étienne Aubert in the Diocese of Limoges.
- ›Was a CIVIL law professor before entering church service.
- ›Served as Bishop of Noyon and Clermont.
- ›Appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Velletri by Pope Clement VI.
- ›Crowned pope on December 30, 1352.
- ›Died on September 12, 1362, and was succeeded by Urban V.
Innocentius VI
Church Administration, Restoring Order In Rome
- Revoked Agreement Asserting College of Cardinals' Superiority Over the Pope
- Introduced Important Reforms In Church Administration
- Sent Cardinal Albornoz As Legate To Restore Order In Rome
- Played A Significant Role In the Treaty of BréTigny
- Declined Offer To Unite Greek Orthodox Church With Roman See
- Reduced Chapel Staff and Sold Works of Art To Address Financial Challenges
Pope Clement Vi, Cardinal Albornoz, Rienzi, Charles Iv, Holy Roman Emperor, John V Palaeologus, Byzantine Emperor, John Vi Cantacuzenus, St. Bridget of Sweden, Urban V, Chartreuse Du Val De BéNéDiction, Villeneuve-LèS-Avignon
About Innocent VI
Pope Innocent VI
Pope Innocent VI, born Étienne Aubert, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from December 18, 1352, until his death on September 12, 1362. He was the fifth pope to reside in Avignon and the only one to adopt the pontifical name "Innocent."
Life and Historical Context
Born in the Diocese of Limoges, Étienne Aubert was a civil law professor before entering church service. He held various positions, including Bishop of Noyon and Bishop of Clermont, and was appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Velletri by Pope Clement VI. His election as pope occurred on December 30, 1352.
Pontificate and Major Contributions
During his papacy, Innocent VI introduced significant reforms in church administration, including revoking an agreement that placed the college of cardinals above the pope. He actively sought to restore order in Rome through his legate, Cardinal Albornoz. A notable diplomatic achievement was his significant role in facilitating the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny between France and England. Faced with financial strains from wars in Italy and the lingering effects of a plague, Innocent VI implemented measures to economize, such as reducing the chapel staff and selling artworks.
Legacy
Innocent VI is generally considered just and merciful, and he was a patron of letters. However, his actions against the Fraticelli drew criticism from figures like St. Bridget of Sweden. His pontificate occurred during a period of considerable financial and political instability for the Papacy, yet he is recognized for his reformist efforts and diplomatic engagement. He was succeeded by Pope Urban V. His tomb is located in the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Innocent VI?
Pope Innocent VI, born Étienne Aubert, was the fifth Avignon Pope, serving from 18 December 1352 until his death in September 1362. He was known for introducing important reforms in church administration and aiming to restore order in Rome.
What were some of Innocent VI's major actions as pope?
As pope, Innocent VI revoked an agreement that asserted the college of cardinals' superiority over the pope. He also introduced reforms in church administration and, through his legate Cardinal Albornoz, worked to restore order in Rome. He played a role in the Treaty of Brétigny and made efforts to economize due to financial challenges.
What challenges did Innocent VI face during his papacy?
Innocent VI's papacy was marked by financial difficulties arising from wars in Italy and the aftermath of a plague. To address these issues, he reduced the chapel staff and sold works of art.
What was Innocent VI's role in diplomacy?
Innocent VI played a significant role in bringing about the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny between France and England. He also declined an offer from the Byzantine emperor to unite the Greek Orthodox Church with the Roman See in exchange for support.
Where is Pope Innocent VI buried?
Pope Innocent VI's tomb is located in the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, which is a Carthusian monastery in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
Related Popes
Benedict XII
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.
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.