Pope from December 24, 1294 - October 11, 1303
Lived: c. 1230 - October 11, 1303
Birth name: Benedict Gaetani
Who was this guy before he was pope?
Benedict Gaetani was born into a popular family and was in fact related to both Popes Alexander IV and Gregory IX on his mother’s side. He entered the Franciscan Order early on, then was brought to Umbria to study canon law in 1252 by his uncle, the Bishop of Todi. Benedict entered the Roman Curia in 1264, where he first served as secretary to the future Pope Martin IV, before moving up the ranks over the next three decades. He was created a cardinal by Martin in 1281, first serving as a cardinal-deacon before being elevated to cardinal-priest ten years later by Pope Nicholas IV. As one of the more influential cardinals at the time, Benedict played an essential part, for better or for worse, in the abdication of Pope St. Celestine V at the end of 1294.
Okay, give me the scoop on Boniface VIII.
Chosen by the required two-thirds majority on Christmas Eve 1294, Benedict took the name Boniface VIII and was consecrated pope nearly a month later. He would reign for not quite nine years, during which he restored multiple churches and canonized St. Louis IX, the former King of France.
Boniface handed out high offices like candy to relatives, which earned him a cameo in Dante’s Inferno, apparently destined to chill in the Eighth Circle of Hell for the sin of simony. His landmark work, the papal bull Unam Sanctam, declared that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff, which didn’t sit well with his opponents (*cough* King Philip IV *cough*).
Pope Boniface VIII died of a fever on October 11, 1303, surrounded by eight cardinals and other members of his household.
What was he known for?
Pope Boniface VIII is best known for his epic – and rather tragic – battle with King Philip IV of France. Boniface didn’t appreciate the growing wish of monarchs to use church tithes for secular wars, and Philip didn’t like the pope meddling in French business. The pair exchanged shots across the bow for the majority of Boniface’s pontificate.
Boniface had a tendency to make rash statements out of excitement and/or anger, which often proved dangerous given his extensive knowledge of canon law and skill as a jurist. Eventually, Philip IV said, “Two can play at that game,” and appointed a match for the pope to counter his moves. Opposition and division were everywhere, lies were told on both sides, and Boniface was nearly assassinated in 1303 as a result.
Boniface had a tendency to make rash statements out of excitement and/or anger, which often proved dangerous given his extensive knowledge of canon law and skill as a jurist. Eventually, Philip IV said, “Two can play at that game,” and appointed a match for the pope to counter his moves. Opposition and division were everywhere, lies were told on both sides, and Boniface was nearly assassinated in 1303 as a result.
Fun Fact...
In 1300, Boniface was the first pope in history to formally institute a “jubilee” year, where he encouraged the faithful to make a pilgrimage to Rome. The custom has been repeated ever since, occurring every 25 to 50 years (with some exceptions), right up to the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
In 1295, Venice saw the return of the great Marco Polo, who had been traveling abroad in China.
Coming tomorrow....Blessed Pope Benedict XI