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Name:
Pope Innocent VI
Born: Etienne Aubert
Preceded by: Clement VI (1342 - 1352)
Succeeded by: Blessed Urban V (1362 - 1370)
Roman Catholic Pope #200
Dates:
Born: 1282 (France)
Died: September 12, 1362
Pope: December 18, 1352 - September 12, 1362 (9 years, 8 months)
Biography:
One of the popes who ruled from Avignon, Innocent VI was a reform-minded administrator
who tried to reverse some of the excesses of his predecessor, Clement VI, and reign in
financial extravagance. He even sold off various paintings and jewelry in order to
raise funds. Powerful cardinals who were interested in becoming even more powerful
opposed his reforms - an, in fact, records indicate that Innocent had agreed to allow the
cardinals wide latitude in action during the conclave which elected him.
However, once he was pope, he began his reforms and rejected the protests. One of the objects of his reforms was the monastic group known as Spiritual Franciscans. He was especially hard on them, causing Bridget of Sweden to withdraw her support for the pope, accusing him of persecuting "Christ's flock".
Externally, however, Innocent was unable to assert his power very effectively. For example, although he crowned Charles IV of Bohemia as Holy Roman Emperor in 1355 and maintained amicable relations with him, Charles insisted on issuing his "Golden Bull". This was basically a restatement of an earlier decree from Louis IV, declaring that the election of an imperial candidate did not require papal approval.
Because the Hundred Years War was ongoing and the papal residence was still in Avignon, the security of the pope was continually in question. The city was frequently attacked by wandering soldiers and Innocent had to spent great amounts of money to maintain and improve fortifications for both the city and the papal palace. He had hoped to move the papal residence back to Rome, where the political struggles seemed mild in comparison, but he died before he could see his plans through.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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