Western Civilization

Crisis in the Church 11 of 19

The Return to Rome

Clement V had intended to return to Rome, but the trial of the Templars, then his conflict with Emperor Louis sidetracked his efforts. Conditions in Italy were chaotic and any pope who hoped to return to Rome had to make sure the city was at least somewhat secure.

As the Hundred Years' War more serious, and especially as more and more routiers spread warfare everywhere, it became more desirable to leave Avignon. And, as the years passed, the absence of the Bishop of Rome from his see became ever more scandalous. Every pope proclaimed his desire and intention to return, though some were less sincere than others.

Urban V (1363-1370) actually returned to Rome for three years, but the situation there was too dangerous and he was forced to return to Avignon for his own safety. This was so lamented that the next pope, Gregory XI (1370-1378), immediately vowed to try again.

He, too, failed. Rome was too violent and too dangerous for the pope to govern effectively. Gregory gave up after less than a year in the Holy City, but on the eve of his departure he fell ill and died.

Just as Clement V had come to Avignon intended to leave, so Gregory came to Rome intending to stay, and the result in both cases was both unforseen and untoward. Part of the papal government was at Avignon and part was at Rome. The pope had died in Rome, however, and Rome was where the election of the next pope would take place.