Papacy returned to Rome, 1377
On 17 January 1377 the Papacy returned to Rome from Avignon. From 1307 the Pope had resided in Avignon, France, rather than at the Vatican in Rome. It was a period in which the church faced criticism for its own teachings and was embroiled in political and diplomatic disputes involving several major figures in Europe.
Avignon Papacy
The Avignon Papacy impacted upon the politics surrounding the Hundred Years War. Claimants to thrones sought gain favour from the church to bolster their legitimacy and to give credence to claims of god being on their side. The papacy of the Avignon era became known, however, for corruption and became involved in disputes with the Holy Roman Empire.
Pope urged to return to Rome
Amid calls for new crusades, the Papacy was challenged by men such as John Wycliff, and urged to return to Rome. In 1376 Pope Gregory XI finally made the decision to move the Papacy back to the Holy See. He had been placed under pressure to do so from many quarters. One person who regularly communicated with the Pope on the matter was Catherine of Siena, who in 1376 had noted to the Pope:
“Up, father! Put into effect the resolution you have made concerning your return and the crusade.[8] You can see that the unbelievers are challenging you to this by coming as close as they can to take what is yours. Up, to give your life for Christ! Isn’t our body the only thing we have?[9] Why not give your life a thousand times, if necessary, for God’s honor and the salvation of his creatures? That is what he did, and you, his vicar, ought to be carrying on his work. It is to be expected that as long as you are his vicar you will follow your Lord’s ways and example”[i].
Return to Rome and divisions within the Catholic Church
Pope Gregory XIs decision to return to Rome was not popular within France, or with all of the Cardinals. He walked the route from Avignon to Rome, arriving on 17 January 1377. His pontificate was challenged and Cardinals called for a new Pope to be elected. Gregory died in 1378, before a resolution had been reached. The following years saw a schism (divide) emerge within the Roman Catholic Church.
[i] Catherine of Siena: Letter 74 To Pope Gregory XI, in Avignon. Full text available here.
Featured Image
Louis I, Duke of Anjou leading Pope Gregory XI to the palace at Avignon, while cardinals follow. By Virgil Master and his atelier – Chroniques de France ou de St. Denis (end 14th C) – BL Royal MS 20 C VII, Public Domain, via Wikimedia
