1198-1216-- Pope Innocent III rules at the height of papal power in the Medieval Ages. He consolidated the power of the Papal States in current-day Italy and extended his power over kings and queens. He held priests to higher moral standards, demanded spiritual frugality and ran the Curia (papal court).
During his time, the Fourth Crusade went awry and ended with the sacking of Constantinople in 1204. He ruled the Magna Carta void and that all Muslims and Jews had to wear distinctive dress.
1271-- Gregory X is elected pope after a nearly three-year process that ended only when the cardinals were locked in a room and forced to decide. In 1274, Gregory establishes the process where a "conclave" is held.
1378-- By this year, there had been nearly 40 antipopes, essentially antichrists. This year, the first antipope, St. Hippolytus is canonized. He had fought three other popes from 217-235 over being too lenient on people he considered to be heretics.
Some of the most famous antipopes were the latter Avignon popes of the Western Schism. Urban VI was elected amid controversy in April 1378. In August, French cardinals declared his election invalid and elected a French nobleman, Robert of Geneva, in his place. The Great Western Schism continued for many years with both groups excommunicating each other. Eventually it ended in 1417.
More to Come.
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