Pope Gregory XI, born Pierre Roger de Beaufort around 1329, holds a significant place in the history of the Catholic Church. Known in Latin as Gregorius, he served as the head of the Catholic Church from his election on 30 December 1370 until his death on 27 March 1378. His pontificate, though relatively brief, was marked by a monumental decision that profoundly altered the course of papal history.

Born into the powerful French nobility, Pierre Roger de Beaufort was the nephew of Pope Clement VI, who elevated him to the cardinalate at the remarkably young age of 17 in 1348. He received an extensive education, particularly in canon law at the University of Perugia, which prepared him for a distinguished ecclesiastical career before his eventual ascent to the papacy.

The Seventh and Last Avignon Pope

Gregory XI holds the unique distinction of being the seventh and final of the Avignon popes. This era, often referred to as the "Avignon Papacy" or the "Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy," commenced in 1309 when Pope Clement V, citing political instability in Rome and increasing French influence, moved the papal court from Rome to Avignon, then a papal territory surrounded by France. For nearly seven decades, the spiritual and administrative heart of the Catholic Church resided outside its traditional Roman seat. Gregory XI is also notable as the most recent French pope recognized by the modern Catholic Church, a testament to the strong French dominance within the College of Cardinals during that period.

The Historic Return to Rome

The defining moment of Gregory XI's pontificate was his courageous decision to return the Papal court to Rome. This pivotal event, which occurred in 1377, formally ended the almost 70 years of papal residency in Avignon, France. The move was not an easy one and was met with significant resistance from many cardinals who had grown accustomed to the comforts and political stability of Avignon. However, Gregory XI was profoundly influenced by several prominent figures, including two powerful female mystics:

• Bridget of Sweden (Saint Bridget of Vadstena): Though she died in 1373, her earlier fervent appeals for the Pope to return to Rome had a lasting impact.
• Catherine of Siena (Saint Catherine of Siena): She corresponded extensively with Gregory XI and famously visited him in Avignon in 1376, urging him with great conviction to fulfill his spiritual duty and restore the papacy to its rightful Roman see, despite the prevailing political dangers.

Driven by a deep conviction that the spiritual authority of the papacy was diminished by its absence from Rome, and perhaps also by the political turmoil developing around Avignon, Gregory XI embarked on the journey. He departed Avignon on 13 September 1376 and finally arrived in Rome on 17 January 1377, marking a symbolic and profound restoration of the papacy's traditional seat.

The Western Schism: An Unfortunate Aftermath

Tragically, Gregory XI's death on 27 March 1378, only a little over a year after his return to Rome, plunged the Catholic Church into one of its most severe crises: the Western Schism. The circumstances surrounding the election of his successor, Pope Urban VI, were highly contentious. While Urban VI was elected in Rome, a group of cardinals, predominantly French, soon declared his election invalid, citing duress from the Roman populace. These cardinals then retreated and elected a rival pope, Clement VII, who re-established a papal court in Avignon.

This unprecedented division resulted in two (and later, for a period, three) competing lines of popes, each claiming legitimacy and commanding allegiance from different parts of Europe. The existence of these "antipopes" at Avignon, particularly Clement VII and his successor Benedict XIII, fundamentally challenged the unity and authority of the Catholic Church for nearly four decades until the Council of Constance finally resolved the schism in 1417.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Gregory XI

Who was Pope Gregory XI?

Pope Gregory XI, born Pierre Roger de Beaufort, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1370 to 1378. He is historically significant for ending the Avignon Papacy by returning the papal court to Rome.

What was the Avignon Papacy?

The Avignon Papacy refers to the period from 1309 to 1377 when seven successive popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than in Rome. This era ended with Pope Gregory XI's return to Rome.

Why did Pope Gregory XI return to Rome?

Gregory XI returned to Rome primarily due to his belief that the papacy's spiritual authority was undermined by its absence from its traditional see. He was also significantly influenced by the urgent appeals of mystics like Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Bridget of Sweden, who emphasized the importance of the Pope's presence in Rome.

What was the Western Schism?

The Western Schism was a major split within the Catholic Church that occurred immediately after Pope Gregory XI's death in 1378. It involved the simultaneous reign of two, and later three, rival popes (one in Rome, one in Avignon, and later one in Pisa), each claiming to be the legitimate head of the Church. The schism lasted until 1417.

Was Pope Gregory XI the last French pope?

Pope Gregory XI was the most recent French pope recognized by the modern Catholic Church. Although subsequent antipopes were French and resided in Avignon, their legitimacy is not recognized by the Catholic Church.