Avignon Papacy

Avignon, Palais des Papes by JM Rosier

Avignon Papacy refers to the period from 1309 to 1377 during which seven successive popes resided in Avignon, rather than in Rome. This period is also sometimes referred to as the "Babylonian Captivity" of the Papacy, a term coined by Petrarch, a contemporary Renaissance scholar and poet. The Avignon Papacy is a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, marked by its controversies, the centralization of church administration, and conflicts with secular rulers.

Background

The move to Avignon was initiated by Pope Clement V, who was French and decided to settle in Avignon in 1309, partly due to the chaotic political conditions in Rome and his close ties with the French crown. Avignon, though not part of France at the time, was under the influence of the French kings, which led to perceptions of the Papacy being under French control. This period saw a series of French popes, all of whom chose to remain in Avignon, leading to significant tensions with Rome and other parts of Christendom.

Impact on the Church

The Avignon Papacy had a profound impact on the Catholic Church. The centralization of church administration in Avignon led to the development of a more bureaucratic and organized institution. However, this period is also criticized for the perceived decline in spiritual leadership and the increase in corruption, nepotism, and the sale of church offices, known as simony.

The residency in Avignon allowed the popes to escape the violent political turmoil in Rome, but it also deeply alienated them from the Italian faithful and led to a loss of control over the Papal States. The absence of the pope from Rome contributed to the decline of the city both economically and spiritually.

Return to Rome

The return of the Papacy to Rome began with Pope Gregory XI in 1377, marking the end of the Avignon Papacy. However, the return to Rome did not immediately resolve the issues facing the Church. It was followed by the Western Schism (1378-1417), a period of division within the Church, where multiple claimants to the Papacy emerged, further complicating the situation.

Legacy

The Avignon Papacy is often viewed through the lens of its negative impact on the papal prestige and the spiritual authority of the Church. It highlighted the tensions between spiritual and temporal powers, and the challenges of maintaining church unity in the face of political pressures. The period is a critical study in the history of the Catholic Church, illustrating the complexities of papal politics and the interplay between religion and state.

See Also

• Papal Schism
• History of the Papacy
• Catholic Church
• Petrarch