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.
Key Facts
- ›Born Bartolomeo Prignano in Itri, Kingdom of Naples.
- ›Appointed regent of the papal chancery before his election.
- ›His election was followed by the Western Schism.
- ›Known for his arbitrary and violent temperament.
- ›Fell from a mule and died in Rome, with rumors of poisoning.
- ›His remains were nearly discarded during the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Elected Pope Under Pressure From A Roman Mob.
- Condemned the Luxury and Corruption of the Cardinals.
- Refused To Return the Papal Seat To Avignon.
- Excommunicated and Preached A Crusade Against Queen Joan I of Naples.
- Seized Naples For His Nephew.
- Created 26 New Cardinals In A Single Day.
Western Schism, Avignon Papacy, College of Cardinals, Kingdom of Naples, France, Clement Vii, Catherine of Siena
About Urban VI
Pope Urban VI
Pope Urban VI, born Bartolomeo Prignano around 1318, served as the head of the Catholic Church from April 8, 1378, until his death on October 15, 1389. His pontificate is historically significant as it immediately preceded and initiated the Western Schism, a period of profound division within the Catholic Church.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Itri, within the Kingdom of Naples, Prignano received a doctorate in canon law and held various positions, including rector of the University of Naples and vicar general of the archbishop of Naples. He was consecrated Archbishop of Acerenza in 1363 and later became Archbishop of Bari in 1377. He developed a reputation for simplicity, frugality, and business acumen, though he was also described as arbitrary, violent, and imprudent.
Election and the Western Schism
Urban VI's election occurred on April 8, 1378, shortly after the end of the Avignon Papacy. The election took place amidst pressure from a Roman mob demanding a Roman pope. Prignano was unanimously chosen, making him the last pope elected from outside the College of Cardinals. However, his perceived arrogance and anger alienated many cardinals, who soon began to conspire against him. Five months after his election, French cardinals declared his election invalid, citing the pressure from the mob, and proceeded to elect Robert of Geneva as Pope Clement VII in September 1378, thus beginning the Western Schism.
Papacy and Conflicts
Urban VI's papacy was marked by intense conflict. He preached intemperately to the cardinals, condemning their luxury and demanding reforms in the Curia without gratuities. His refusal to return to Avignon alienated King Charles V of France. He also engaged in significant conflict with Queen Joan I of Naples, excommunicating her and supporting her cousin, Charles III, in his claim to the Neapolitan throne. This led to a series of wars and political upheavals, with Urban VI often finding himself a virtual prisoner or under siege, notably in Nocera.
Major Actions and Key Facts
Urban VI's papacy saw the creation of 26 new cardinals in a single day and the arbitrary alienation of church property to fund wars. He faced significant opposition, with Clement VII excommunicating him and labeling him "the Antichrist." Despite the turmoil, Urban VI defended his election and initiated counter-arguments through writings like John of Legnano's "De fletu ecclesiæ." He sought to regain control of territories and planned a Jubilee in 1390 to raise funds.
Death and Legacy
Urban VI died in Rome in October 1389, likely from injuries sustained after falling from his mule, though rumors of poisoning circulated. He was succeeded by Boniface IX. His remains were almost discarded during the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica, highlighting the turbulent period in which he lived and reigned. Urban VI's primary legacy is his role in plunging the Catholic Church into the Western Schism, a schism that would persist for nearly four decades.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Urban VI?
Pope Urban VI, born Bartolomeo Prignano, was the head of the Catholic Church from 1378 until his death in 1389. He is notable for being the last pope elected from outside the College of Cardinals and for his pontificate marking the beginning of the Western Schism.
What was the Western Schism?
The Western Schism was a major division in the Catholic Church that lasted from 1378 to 1417. It began when rival factions of cardinals elected two popes, Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon, leading much of Europe to recognize different pontiffs.
Why was Urban VI elected under pressure?
Following the death of Pope Gregory XI, a Roman mob surrounded the conclave demanding a Roman pope. Under this haste and pressure, the cardinals elected Bartolomeo Prignano, who was acceptable to the disunited majority of French cardinals, though not Roman.
What were Urban VI's major conflicts?
Urban VI faced immense conflict with rival factions during the Western Schism. He also had a severe falling out with his former patroness, Queen Joan I of Naples, whom he excommunicated and against whom he permitted a crusade. He also clashed with Charles III of Naples.
What is Urban VI's legacy?
Urban VI's legacy is largely defined by his role in initiating the Western Schism due to his confrontational style and perceived arrogance by the cardinals. His attempts at reform also contributed to the deep divisions within the church during his papacy.
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.
Innocent XII
Pope Innocent XII, born Antonio Pignatelli, reigned from 1691 to 1700, taking a firm stance against nepotism within the Catholic Church. He issued a papal bull strictly forbidding the practice and ensuring no revenue or land would be bestowed on relatives. His pontificate also saw reforms in the administration of justice and a shift in papal foreign policy leaning towards France.
Alexander II
Pope Alexander II, born Anselm of Baggio, was head of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1061 to 1073. His pontificate was marked by significant reforms, particularly against simony and clerical marriage, and the assertion of papal authority in elections. He also notably authorized the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.