When was Pope Boniface VIII pope?

Boniface VIII reigned as the 193rd pope from 24 December 1294–11 October 1303, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Boniface VIII?

Boniface VIII was pope 193º — the 193rd successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Boniface VIII remembered for?

Boniface VIII served the Church during the high Middle Ages (24 December 1294–11 October 1303). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Boniface VIII?

Boniface VIII (193º) succeeded Pope St. Celestine V (192º) and was followed by Pope Bl. Benedict XI (194º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Boniface VIII (193º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Boniface VIII was the 193rd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 24 December 1294–11 October 1303 during the high Middle Ages. Issued the bull Unam sanctam(1302), proclaiming papal supremacy and pushing it to its highest historical extreme.

Who Was Pope Boniface VIII?

This biography of Boniface VIII (193º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the high Middle Ages, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Benedetto Caetani. Born circa 1230 Anagni, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Boniface VIII led the Church in the high Middle Ages — an era of crusades, monastic reform, cathedral building, and intense negotiation between popes and emperors over who held ultimate authority in Christendom.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (24 December 1294–11 October 1303) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. Incorporated Ubi periculum into the canon law(1298). Formalized the jubilee(1300).

Papal Acts & Achievements

Boniface VIII left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

193rd pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 24 December 1294–11 October 1303
Issued the bull Unam sanctam(1302), proclaiming papal supremacy and pushing it to its highest historical extreme.
Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Boniface VIII remains pope 193º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the high Middle Ages, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying Boniface VIII helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

Boniface VIII followed Pope St. Celestine V (192º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Bl. Benedict XI (194º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.