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The Fourteenth Century:
The Papacy Moves to France
Four historical high points define this century.
The Papacy Moves to France
The on-going fighting and violence between rival Italian families kept the papacy in a state of turmoil. In 1309 Pope Clement V left Rome for Avignon, France. The Popes remained in France until 1376 where they continued to guide and govern the Church. The papacy's residency in Avignon is also known as the "Babylonian Captivity".
The Renaissance
As the papacy was settling in Avignon a cultural movement called the "Renaissance" was beginning to take shape in Italy. This movement recaptured the artistic style of the ancient Romans and Greeks. The literature, sculptures and paintings of the day bore witness to this. Out of the Renaissance came famous artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Both of them as well as many others helped the Renaissance flourish.
The Plague
As the Renaissance was sweeping through Europe so was the plague otherwise known as the "Black Death". In (1348) the Black Death swept through Europe causing a massive epidemic. The plague was so devastating and widespread, that one third of Europe's population died. Many saw the plague as God's justice upon a sinful world.
St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was one of the most influential personages in the fourteenth century. In 1365, Catherine became a third order Dominican. She performed heroic acts of charity, caring for the sick and unfortunate. Her prayers brought about many miracles. One of her greatest accomplishments was to help Pope Gregory IX bring the papacy back to Rome.
The Western Schism
Pope Gregory IX who brought the papacy back to Rome died in 1378. Following his death the Archbishop of Bari was elected Pope and took the name Urban VI (1378-1389). The French Cardinals who attended the election questioned its "legality" and upon returning to France elected their own Pope, Clement VII (1378-1394) who took up his residency in Avignon. This began the great Western Schism (1378-1414). With two popes claiming to be the rightful successor of St. Peter loyalties within the Church and outside it were split.