AVIGNON PAPACY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Avignon Papacy" refers to a period in the history of the Catholic Church, specifically from the years 1309 to 1376, during which the popes resided in Avignon, France, instead of their traditional seat in Rome. This period was also known as the "Babylonian Captivity," referencing the biblical story of the Israelites being exiled to Babylon.
The Avignon Papacy began when Pope Clement V chose to establish his pontificate in Avignon rather than Rome. This decision was primarily influenced by political and logistical factors, such as the ongoing conflict between the French monarchy and the papacy, as well as the papal desire for greater control over the Church's affairs.
During the Avignon Papacy, a total of seven popes reigned from Avignon, and their authority was challenged and criticized by many who viewed their absence from Rome as a betrayal of the Church's spiritual heritage and universal mission. This division led to the emergence of rival papal claimants and generated considerable turmoil within the Catholic Church.
The Avignon Papacy came to an end in 1376, when Pope Gregory XI returned the papal court to Rome. This move aimed to reunite the Church and restore the prestige and authority of the papacy. However, the Avignon Papacy left a lasting impact on the institution, as it exposed the vulnerabilities and potential abuses of papal power, ultimately contributing to the broader calls for church reform and the eventual schism in the 15th century known as the Western Schism.
Etymology of AVIGNON PAPACY
The term "Avignon Papacy" refers to a specific period in history from 1309 to 1377 when the papal court was located in Avignon, France, instead of Rome. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Avignon: The name "Avignon" is derived from the Latin word "Avennio", which was the name of the city in ancient Roman times. The Roman name is believed to have originated from a Celtic word "Avo" meaning "river" or "stream", as the city is located near the Rhône River in southeastern France.
2. Papacy: The term "papacy" refers to the office or position of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The word "papacy" has its roots in the Latin "papas", which means "bishop" or "pope".
