Election of Pope Benedict XII on December 20, 1334

On December 20, 1334, Jacques Fournier was elected as Pope Benedict XII, marking the conclusion of a protracted and contentious papal conclave. His election followed the death of Pope John XXII on December 4, 1334. The conclave assembled in Avignon, which was the papacy’s residence during this period, known as the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), a time characterized by the papacy’s relocation from Rome to Avignon in present-day France.

Background

Pope John XXII, who had been a significant figure of his time, was known for his disputes with the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and his involvement in theological debates, such as his controversial views on the Beatific Vision, which concerned the knowledge of God in heaven. John’s death led to heightened tensions among the cardinals due to the unresolved conflicts and the many political intricacies of the period.

The Conclave

The conclave of 1334 was marked by factional strife among the cardinals. Political alliances and differing opinions on how to manage the church’s conflicts with the secular powers, particularly the Holy Roman Empire, led to a prolonged election process. The cardinals were deeply divided between factions that supported the continuation of John XXII’s policies and those advocating for change and reconciliation with the Empire.

Election of Benedict XII

Jacques Fournier, a French Cistercian monk known for his piety and scholarly reputation, was ultimately elected as Pope Benedict XII. His selection was perhaps seen as a compromise, being a candidate who could potentially unify the church factions and address pressing theological and political issues without inflaming old animosities.

Significance and Aftermath

Benedict XII’s pontificate is notable for efforts to reform the church and its monastic orders. His tenure emphasized the importance of education and the intellectual development of clergy. Although he attempted some reconciliation with the Holy Roman Empire, the broader political tensions between the Papacy and secular rulers persisted beyond his papacy.

Benedict XII’s leadership laid groundwork for subsequent reforms that sought to address the church’s administrative and spiritual challenges, an undertaking that would continue to influence the direction of the Catholic Church in the centuries that followed. His papacy was a critical moment that reflected the church’s internal struggles and its complex relationship with the political powers of medieval Europe.