Everything Everywhere Daily · Tuesday, September 15, 2026
For 68 years, from 1309 to 1377, seven Popes governed the Church from Avignon, France, instead of Rome. This shift was a consequence of increasing papal authority clashing with stronger European monarchies, particularly France.
“For centuries, the Pope was one of Europe's most powerful figures, ruling the church from Rome and challenging kings and emperors alike. Then in the 14th century, a bitter struggle with the French monarchy changed everything.”
“For 68 years, from 1309 to 1377, seven consecutive Popes governed the church, not from Rome, but from Avignon, France.”
“To understand why the Popes left Rome, it's necessary to understand how powerful the Papacy had become during the preceding two centuries.”