Question

For centuries, the pope had been based in Rome. Then, in 1309, Pope Clement V moved the Roman Catholic Church to Avignon, France. Given the power of the Church at that time, how might this move have affected the relationship between the Church and the Papal States? Between the Church and the Italian city-states? How might it have affected France?

Answer 1

The move of the papacy to Avignon in 1309 affected relationships between the Church, the Papal States, and Italian city-states, likely weakening political and ecclesiastical ties, while strengthening French influence over the Church and highlighting conflicts between secular and religious powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Effects of the Avignon Papacy

In 1309, Pope Clement V moved the Roman Catholic Church to Avignon, France, which had a significant impact on the Papal States, Italian city-states, and France. This relocation marked the start of the Avignon Papacy, which was seen as the papacy being under the influence of the French monarchy. This move likely weakened the relationship between the Church and the Papal States, as the Church's seat was no longer within their direct sphere. For the Italian city-states, the move could be seen as a loss of direct political and economic influence over the Church. Meanwhile, for France, this move could have strengthened the French crown's influence over the church, solidifying its power and potentially providing leverage over other European monarchs.

The Avignon Papacy also contributed to conflicts between secular and religious authorities, challenging the perception of papal authority and leading to internal divisions within the Church. The period of dual papacies further exacerbated these divisions, with the Avignon Popes often viewed as well-endowed with political power. As a result, the spiritual credentials and the integrity of the Church's administration were called into question due to the residence of the popes in Avignon and their proximity to, and perceived control by, secular powers.

Answer 2

The move to Avignon gave more power to the French Kingdom, at the expense of the Italian city-states, and especially, of the Papal States.

Step-by-step explanation:

Because the Papal states were the Italian territories that were under direct control of the Church, when the Pope moved to Avignon, he annexed the city to the Papal States, so technically it was part of them. However, in practice, the pope was mostly influenced by French nobles, and had little power over the Italian papal states.

This was an opportunity for the Italian nobles of the region, who seized more power and control over the area.