Avignon Papacy

  • Nov 15, 1304

    pope benidit

    Benedict IX (1303-1304) followed Boniface but someone poisoned him after a nine month reign.
  • Nov 15, 1305

    1st fact

    Pope Clement V was from France and refused to move to Rome when elected Pope in 1305, prompting the move to Avignon.
  • Nov 15, 1314

    The death of pope clement

    This was the death of pope clement, he was the pope who decided to move to Avignon because he did not feel safe in Rome.
  • Nov 15, 1334

    pope corruption

    The French dominated the church during the whole Avignon period. All seven Popes during the period are French making this the longest string of non-Italian Popes on record. Under Clement, and his successor, John XXII (1316-1334), financial corruption became characteristic.
  • Dec 30, 1370

    pope gregory

    This is the date when pope Gregory became pope, he was influential because he was the pope who decided to make the move back to the Vatican city. The pope's in Avignon before him were exposed because of the french kings.
  • Sep 20, 1378

    the battle for power

    The cardinals disliked Pope Urban VI because of his arrogance and passion for reform. They chose a new pope, Robert of Geneva, who took the name Clement VII and ruled in Avignon. Pope Urban VI still ruled from Rome. The two popes fought for control splitting the Church into two. This is known as the Great Schism. For years, Popes of Avignon and Rome fought for rule