Pope Clement V (195º): Avignon Papacy — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 5 June 1305–20 April 1314
Clement V was the 195th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 5 June 1305–20 April 1314 during the high Middle Ages. Initiated the persecution of the Knights Templar with the bull Pastoralis Praeeminentiae under pressure from King Philip IV of France.
Who Was Pope Clement V?
This biography of Clement V (195º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include Avignon Papacy. 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 Raymond Bertrand de Got (or Goth). Born circa 1264 Villandraut, Gascony, Kingdom of France, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Subject of the Kingdom of France.
Historical Context
Clement V 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. Convened the Council of Vienne(1311–1312).
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (5 June 1305–20 April 1314) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Moved the papacy to Avignon(1309).
Papal Acts & Achievements
Clement V 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
- 195th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 5 June 1305–20 April 1314
- Moved the papacy to Avignon(1309).
- Convened the Council of Vienne(1311–1312).
- Initiated the persecution of the Knights Templar with the bull Pastoralis Praeeminentiae under pressure from King Philip IV of Fra
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Clement V remains pope 195º 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 Clement V 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
Clement V followed Pope Bl. Benedict XI (194º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope John XXII (196º), 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.