Election of Pope Gregory XI

On December 30, 1370, Pierre Roger de Beaufort was elected as Pope Gregory XI, becoming the 201st pope of the Roman Catholic Church. This marked a significant moment in the history of the papacy as he was the seventh and last pope to reside in Avignon, France, concluding the period known as the Avignon Papacy. Gregory XI’s election set the stage for the eventual return of the papacy to Rome.

Background and Context

The Avignon Papacy, which lasted from 1309 to 1377, was a time when the popes resided in Avignon, rather than Rome, driven by political conflict and instability in Italy. Gregory XI’s predecessor, Pope Urban V, had attempted to return the papacy to Rome, but his efforts were unsuccessful due to resistance from both French and papal officials and the chaotic state of Rome itself.

Key Actions and Events

• Return to Rome: Pope Gregory XI is best known for returning the papal court to Rome in 1377, an event heavily influenced by the persuasive efforts of notable figures such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Bridget of Sweden. These figures, along with the desire to strengthen the Church’s authority in Italy, played a crucial role in his decision.

• Political Tensions: Gregory XI faced significant challenges, including the ongoing war of the Eight Saints against Florence and its allies, which opposed papal authority. This conflict represented the cities’ resistance to papal rule and dominance in secular affairs.

• Death and Impact: Gregory XI passed away on March 27, 1378, in Rome. His death precipitated the Western Schism, a period of division within the Church where multiple claimants to the papacy emerged due to disagreement over his successor. This schism was a direct consequence of the political complexities and tensions of his papacy.

Historical Significance

Pope Gregory XI’s election and decision to return to Rome were pivotal in reshaping the papal history of the Middle Ages. His efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual resolution of the Avignon Papacy era, reinforcing the importance of Rome as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. Although his tenure was fraught with challenges, his papacy marked the end of an era and the beginning of efforts to restore the Church’s centralized power and influence in Rome.