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Name:
Pope Boniface VIII
Born: Benedict Cajetan
Preceded by: St. Celestine V (1294)
Succeeded by: Blessed Benedict XI (1303 - 1304)
Roman Catholic Pope #194
Dates:
Born: 1235 (Italy)
Died: October 11, 1303
Pope: December 24, 1294 - October 11, 1303 (8 years, 9 months)
Biography:
Boniface VIII made strong claims to both religious and political power, something
which did not sit well with other rulers in Europe. In 1302 he issued the Papal
Bull Unam Sanctam ("One Holy") which was one of the boldest statements of
papal supremacy ever issued:
By our faith we are compelled to believe and sustain on holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This We firmly believe, and We make simple confession that outside the Church there is no salvation or remission of sins. ...Therefore, We declare, affirm and define as a truth necessary for salvation that every human being is subject to the Roman pontiff.
Such declarations of power were naturally unwelcome among secular authorities. Boniface was apparently blind to the growing power of secular nationalism which was spreacing across Europe. Most opposed to Boniface VIII was King Philip ("the Fair") IV of France, whom Boniface actually excommunicated in 1303. In response, Philip took him prisoner in Anagni, Italy and held for three days before townspeople rescued him. However, the stress took its toll and he died shortly after. Not even that stopped Philip's pursuit and in 1310 he forced Pope Clement V to initiate proceedings to determine that Boniface was heretical (they were eventually dropped).
Boniface did a lot to help improve the Vatican - he reorganized the archives, had the library cataloged, founded the Univesity of Rome (the Sapienza) in 1303, and patronized various artists and sculptors. Less appealing was his ruthless support of the interestes of his family and some of his finanical policies. Boniface is known for having established the tradition of jubilees, sources of not only money but also scandal for the Church. Partly because of this Dante depicted him in Hell.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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