Pierre Roger de Beaufort became Gregory XI at the end of 1370. The last pope of the Avignon period before the Western Schism, he left Avignon in 1376 to re-establish his court in Rome.
A nephew of Clement VI
Portrait of Gregory XI by Henri Serrur — Palais des Papes, AvignonA nephew of Clement VI, Pierre Roger de Beaufort succeeded Urban V. His pontificate took place during a period of tension: papal authority was challenged in several Italian cities, and the question of returning to Rome remained central.
Leaving Avignon and returning to Rome
Gregory XI prepared the papal court’s return to Italy. He left Avignon in September 1376 and reached Rome in 1377 after a sea journey. Catherine of Siena was among those who encouraged his decision, which also had important political implications.
A succession followed by the Western Schism
The return to Rome did not end the difficulties in the Papal States. Gregory XI died in Rome in March 1378. The rival elections of Urban VI and then Clement VII opened the Western Schism, during which Rome and Avignon became the centres of competing obediences.
Continue with the Palais des Papes and the history of the Avignon papacy.