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Name:
Pope Benedict XI
Born: Niccolo Boccasino
Preceded by: Boniface VIII (1294 - 1303)
Succeeded by: Clement V (1305 - 1314)
Roman Catholic Pope #195
Dates:
Born: 1240 (Italy)
Died: July 7, 1304
Pope: October 22, 1303 - July 7, 1304 (8 months)
Biography:
A Domician who was born to a working-class family, Pope Benedict XI has become
known in history as having had an especially weak papacy. In particular, he proved
unable to stand up to the demands of King Philip IV (the Fair) of France. Philip
continued to fight against the memory of Pope Boniface VIII, the pope who had
excommunicated him and whom Philip had imprisoned as a consequence.
It is worth noting that Boccasino took the name Benedict XI, even though Benedict X is currently regarded as having been an antipope. This demonstrates that those who are today treated as antipopes were not always regarded as having been invalid.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
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Who or what is the pope? The title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means "father." Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests. Today it continues to be used in Eastern Orthodox churches for the patriarch of Alexandria.
