What Avignon Papacy?In what period of world history these events, which was the cause of them and what all lead to?It would seem that everything is clear, but at the same time, as is the case with any other historical event, there is no single answer to the many questions that neither the right nor the guilty.But first things first.
Avignon Papacy.How it all began?
During the late Middle Ages, in the 13-14 centuries, begins the centralization of European states.France is no exception.At this time, all the townspeople, even clergy obeyed the king.
Therefore, we can safely say that in the 13-14 th centuries, the power of the church began to wane as the monarchs become more influential than in the days of feudal fragmentation.Naturally, in such circumstances, King Philip IV declares war on the age-old enemy - England.But the great war - a great expense.Therefore, in order to cover the costs of maintaining military company, Philippe raised taxes and even ordered the clergy to give part of the income to the treasury.But that is not all.Philip made a huge mistake - not agreed on this issue with the Pope.In response, the Pope delivered a harsh criticism of the king, and threatened to excommunicate those who force the clergy to pay taxes.King was not in debt and has forbidden the jewelry out of the country.As a result, the Vatican lost funds from France.
policy change as an attempt to weaken the Pope's tensions with the monarch
At the end of the 13th century, Pope Boniface VIII somewhat changed position and allowed the clergy to voluntarily pay taxes in accordance with the decree of the government.But as soon as the Pope has a new source of income, renewed criticism of the king.
Home for the overthrow of the Pope and the results
It is not difficult to guess that soon began a campaign to overthrow the Pope, who was beaten and as a result he died at his residence.Pope Benedict XI, who ascended the throne after, was poisoned in 8 months.Cardinals 11 months later was elected Pope Bertrand de Got.Since that time, Avignon became the new papal residence.By coincidence, he was kindly granted by King.Note that the first thing that made the new Pope - France returned to the bosom of the church.
Avignon Papacy - the period from 1309 to 1377, when the residence was not in Rome, but in France, in Avignon.There the Pope felt much calmer than in Rome, where every now and then clashed constantly warring aristocratic families in Italy.Besides Papal States had already actually beginning to disintegrate.
Avignon Papacy.Date: 1309
not necessary to understand the term "capture" too literally.It was probably not the Roman Avignon Papacy in the usual sense, but a change in policy in favor of the French popes.In support of this is the fact that all the Pope of that time were the French, like most of the college of cardinals, which is what the College of Cardinals has elected popes.Many cardinals earlier served at the French court.During trapping Avignon pope acted in the interests of the king and carried out various diplomatic missions.
Naturally, in such circumstances, the political influence of the popes weakened.However, their power within the church acquired a truly monarchical character.If earlier abbots and bishops were elected, now - appointed by the pope.The papacy, in fact, controlled all aspects of life.
trapping Avignon - a reflection of the general trend of the weakening of the Church
situation described above has become a reflection of the main factors that determine the history of the Middle Ages - namely, the struggle of the popes and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire for supremacy in Christendom.The opposition of the Church and the secular elite, with varying success lasted several centuries.But everything changed dramatically when they went up to the throne of the Habsburgs.They changed direction and nature of imperial policy, focusing not on the conquest of Italy, and on the pressing issues in the matter of German territories.
At first glance, the popes is now a good opportunity to do directly with the strengthening of the state and its authorities.But in fact it turned out different.After the German threat was eliminated, absorbed Italy anarchy and chaos.Now, nothing is held back, and the city estates, which previously had to be united in the face of an external enemy.Between a war even neighboring towns, not to mention the constantly warring clans of the Italian aristocracy.It is not difficult to guess that Rome in this matter was no exception.Moreover, the Pope several times even had to flee from Rome, fearing the rebellious citizens, the troops of the neighboring state, the mercenaries hostile clans.
Eternal City became a life-threatening senior hierarchs of the Catholic Church.Therefore, many Pope of Rome instead of doing their residences in Naples, L'Aquila, Anan and other cities, fearing for their lives.Home trapping Avignon Popes just due to the transfer of residence in Avignon.But first things first.In such a situation it is not surprising that even among the cardinals there was no unity, and the choice becomes a real war warring clans.The newly elected Pope, of course, tried to surround himself with supporters - relatives and friends, so they appointed to leadership positions.Loser clans had hard times as the newly elected pope sought as soon as possible to deal with opponents.In all of this, in the chaos Dad continued to behave as if he is still the head of the church, which stands above the monarchs and rulers.Naturally, such a policy could only lead to a worsening of relations with the king.
weakening of papal authority
Peak confrontation, as noted earlier, was the reign of Philip the Fair, when Pope Boniface VIII went into open conflict with the king.In the context of a weakened power of the Pope outcome of the fight was a foregone conclusion.In response to the threat to pope's anathema to betray the king, who sent a papal palace Chancellor Guillaume Nogare.For a couple of days before the anathema Chancellor with a hundred knights rushed into the palace of the Pope.They dragged the old man from the throne, beating and humiliating him.Do not relegate such, Boniface VIII died, cursing and Guillaume Nogare, and Philip.However, his successor, Benedict IX declared the soldiers who beat the old pope, innocent.It happened exactly as before, and to think it was impossible - the Pope was not just beaten, and beaten on the orders of King Christian.It showed that without the support of the secular power the Pope can no longer effectively perform the functions of the head of the Catholic Church.
France as an ally of the papacy
In this situation, the Pope turned to the most powerful ruler of that time - the French king.In addition, it was necessary to choose a place for a new residence, where the pope could control the church without fear of external and internal enemies.In addition, for greater safety seat should be near the French border, but in any case not on French territory.
If not in France, where the residence to do?
ideal option was to Avignon in Provence, so what is happening and has received in the history of the name "Avignon Papacy."At the time, the Pope helped the King of Naples to take the throne, so was not formally on the territory of the hostile state of Italy, and in the realm of his suzerain.
Avignon Papacy allowed them to safely manage the church, which was good for the credibility and authority of popes and cardinals.Arriving in Avignon, the Pope thus did this small town the capital of the Catholic world.Thus, the beginning of the Avignon Papacy of Rome was not such a terrible event as it might seem at the beginning.
