John XXII Pope from August 7, 1316 to December 4, 1334 Date of Birth: 01.01.1244 Country: France

1. Papacy
2. Career in the Curia
3. Election and Reign
4. Policies
5. Administrative Reforms
6. Condemnation of Meister Eckhart
7. Conflict with Louis IV
8. Internal Affairs
9. Imperial Politics
10. Death and Legacy

Papacy

Jacques Duèse, born in Cahors, France, became Pope John XXII on August 7, 1316, ushering in the Avignon Papacy and creating the second papal residence outside Rome. Before his ecclesiastical career, Duèse studied medicine in Montpellier and law in Paris, but his inability to read a royal letter written in French hindered his legal prospects. Consequently, he pursued canonical and civil law in Toulouse and Cahors, becoming Bishop of Fréjus in 1300.

Career in the Curia

Duèse's diplomatic acumen earned him the chancellor position under Charles II of Naples in 1309. In 1310, he was transferred to Avignon, where he issued legal opinions supporting the suppression of the Knights Templar while defending Pope Boniface VIII and the bull "Unum Sanctam." In 1312, Pope Clement V elevated him to Cardinal-Bishop of Porto-Santa Rufina.

Election and Reign

After a two-year interregnum following the death of Pope Clement V, King Philip V of France convened a conclave in Lyon in 1316. This conclave elected Duèse, who took the name John XXII. He established his residence in Avignon rather than Rome.

Policies

John XXII played a pivotal role in European politics and religious movements. His close ties to the French monarchy raised concerns about the papacy's impartiality. Despite his knowledge of canon law, he harbored extreme superstitions, cruelty, and intolerance, particularly fearing witchcraft. He burned Minorite heretics for living in poverty but faced widespread criticism for his doctrine that saints would only behold God after the Last Judgment, which he later recanted.

Administrative Reforms

John XXII was a skilled administrator. He sent a letter of thanks to the Muslim ruler Uzbek Khan for his tolerance of Christians. He is also attributed with composing the prayer "Anima Christi, sanctifica me..."

Condemnation of Meister Eckhart

In 1329, John XXII condemned the writings of Meister Eckhart as heretical in the papal bull "In Agro Dominico."

Conflict with Louis IV

John XXII aspired to control the German imperial crown, but he faced opposition in both Germany and Italy. During the dispute between Louis the Bavarian and Frederick of Austria, John XXII claimed temporary rule over Germany and the right to settle the conflict. After Louis emerged victorious, the pope excommunicated him. Undeterred, Louis gained support in Italy and convened a council in Trent that declared John XXII a heretic and installed the Minorite Pietro Rainalducci as a rival pope, Nicholas V. John XXII captured the antipope and severed Italy from the German Empire as punishment for Germany.

Internal Affairs

John XXII's actions ignited a wave of witch hunts. Accusing his hometown's bishop of witchcraft, he launched inquisitions in Toulouse and Carcassonne in 1321. By 1326, he extended these inquiries to all territories under the Church's control, leading to the term "heretical witchcraft." He also banned alchemy in Italy and ruthlessly persecuted Spirituals through the Inquisition.

Imperial Politics

John XXII exploited the rivalry between factions in Germany over the imperial crown to depose imperial officials. While he declared several crusades, he never launched them, amassing significant funds in the process.

Death and Legacy

John XXII died at the age of 90, ruling for 18 years, the longest papacy of the 14th century. He left behind immense wealth, exceeding 750,000 florins.