The Avignon Exile: A Papacy in Crisis
For nearly 70 years, the papacy was based in Avignon, France, rather than in its traditional seat of Rome. This period, known as the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), saw a series of French popes ruling under the influence of the French crown. Rome, once the heart of Christendom, fell into political instability and economic decline as a result of the pope’s absence.
Pope Gregory XI’s Decisive Return
In the late 14th century, increasing calls for reform and the urging of figures like Saint Catherine of Siena convinced Pope Gregory XI that the papacy had to return to Rome. On January 17, 1377, Gregory XI re-entered the Eternal City on horseback, greeted by cheering crowds and clergy eager for the restoration of papal rule.
Challenges in a Divided Rome
Rome was not the thriving city it had once been. The absence of the papal court had left it in decay, plagued by warring noble families and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Gregory XI sought to restore order, reaffirming Rome as the center of the Catholic world.
The Aftermath: The Western Schism
Gregory XI’s return was short-lived, as he died in 1378, leaving behind a crisis of succession. His death triggered the Western Schism, a period in which multiple rival popes claimed authority, further dividing the Church. Despite this turmoil, his decision to return to Rome ensured that the city remained the seat of the papacy.
Rome Reclaimed: A Lasting Impact
The return of the papacy in 1377 marked the beginning of Rome’s gradual resurgence. Though the Church would face further upheaval, Gregory XI’s move cemented Rome’s role as the spiritual and administrative heart of Catholicism, a position it retains to this day.
The End of an Exile, the Beginning of a Renaissance
While the Avignon Papacy had reshaped the Church’s political landscape, its end brought Rome back to the forefront of religious power. The city, though weakened, would soon experience a cultural revival that would lead to the grandeur of the Renaissance and the papacy’s lasting influence in global affairs.
