Clement V

This 1998 book is a re-evaluation of the reign of the 'Avignon' pope Clement V (1305–14).

The Avignon pope Clement V led the Church during nine critical years, 1305–14. In contrast to the characterisation of the period as the 'Babylonian captivity' of the papacy, this 1998 book offers an evaluation of Clement's reign, the goals of papal policy, and its evaluation by contemporaries.Clement V, the first 'Avignon' pope, led the Church during nine critical years, 1305–14. Elected two years after the outrage committed upon Boniface VIII at Anagni, Clement saw as his main goal the restoration of harmonious relations with the leading monarchs of Christendom. In achieving his aim, he paved the way for the Church in the modern period. This 1998 book provides a complete analysis of Clement's pontificate from the two complementary viewpoints offered by diplomatic documentation and by narrative sources. Their point of convergence validates a re-evaluation of the Avignon 'Babylonian captivity' of the papacy. As a result, Clement's pontificate no longer appears as a shameful surrender to Capetian interests. Rather, it demonstrates a consistent scale of priorities, among which the recovery of the Holy Land was accorded pre-eminence.