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Benedict XIPope from October 22, 1303 to July 7, 1304.
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
Benedict XI: A Brief Pontificate
Birth and Early LifeBenedict XI, born in Treviso, Italy, was a Dominican friar who became Pope on October 22, 1303.
Papal Election and Conflict
As Master of the Dominican Order, Benedict XI had been a vocal supporter of Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303). After Boniface VIII's capture, Benedict defended the papal party's position in the Lateran Palace.
Pontificate
Upon his election, Benedict XI lifted the excommunication imposed on King Philip IV of France by Boniface VIII. However, he later excommunicated Guillaume de Nogaret, Philip IV's advisor, and other Italians involved in Boniface VIII's capture.
Death and Suspicions
Benedict XI's brief eight-month pontificate ended abruptly with his sudden death in Perugia on July 7, 1304. Suspicions of poisoning by Nogaret were raised, though no concrete evidence exists. Some historians believe Philip IV may have ordered Benedict XI's assassination to install his own Pope, Clement V.
Legacy
Benedict XI's successor, Clement V, moved the papal residence from Rome to Avignon, beginning the period known as the Avignon Papacy (1309-1377). The French popes who followed Clement V were heavily influenced by the French monarchy.
