Everything Everywhere Daily · Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Following the death of Boniface VIII's successor, Benedict XI, the cardinals elected Bertrand de Got, Archbishop of Bordeaux, as Pope Clement V. Under pressure from Philip IV, Clement V was crowned in Lyon, France, and eventually established his court in Avignon in 1309, marking the start of the Avignon Papacy.
“After almost a year of debate, the cardinals selected Bertrand de Got, the Archbishop of Bordeaux, who took the name Clement V in 1305.”
“He did not travel to Rome for his coronation. Instead, he was crowned in the city of Lyon, France.”
“Then in 1309, he settled his court at Avignon.”
“That decision marks the traditional beginning of the Avignon Papacy.”