Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This Week in Christian History: Elizabeth I Crowned, Pope Returns to Rome, Catechism Published

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pope Gregory XI Returns Papal See Back to Rome - January 17, 1377

A nineteenth century portrait of Pope Gregory XI (1329-1378), who moved the papacy back to Rome, Italy from Avignon, France in 1377.
A nineteenth century portrait of Pope Gregory XI (1329-1378), who moved the papacy back to Rome, Italy from Avignon, France in 1377. | (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Gregory XI moved the Papal See back to Rome, after nearly 70 years of the popes being based in Avignon, France.

Elected pope in 1370, Gregory XI moved the papacy back to its current location in part to influence church policies both in Italy and more broadly relations with Eastern churches.

The move was met with much opposition from many cardinals as well as the Kingdom of France, and led to a good deal of strife in the short run for the Church.

"After Gregory XI reestablished the papal capital in Rome, cardinals of the Sacred College selected a second pope, who assumed the vacant Avignon seat. This marked the onset of the Great Schism," explained Britannica.com. "A succession of such 'antipopes' were selected, and the Great Schism was not healed until 1417."

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles