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This week in Christian history: 'The Message' author dies; Edict of Nantes revoked

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pope denounces self-flagellation — Oct. 20, 1349

A 19th-century painting depicts Pope Clement VI (1291–1352).
A 19th-century painting depicts Pope Clement VI (1291–1352). | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull, or decree, denouncing self-flagellation, the practice of whipping oneself as penance.

The flagellant movement grew in response to a series of disasters in Europe, especially the outbreak of the devastating plague known as the Black Death.

“After careful inquiry, [Clement VI] sent letters to all the bishops under his authority, condemning the flagellant movement and prohibiting its processions,” according to the Christian History Institute.

The institute added, “Despite the pope’s pronouncement and despite the subsequent involvement of the Inquisition, which burned two large groups of flagellants in the fifteenth-century, public exhibitions of self-beating continued.”

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