Pope Clement VI (198º): Avignon Papacy — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 7 May 1342–6 December 1352
Clement VI was the 198th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 7 May 1342–6 December 1352 during the high Middle Ages. Subject of the Kingdom of France.
Who Was Pope Clement VI?
This biography of Clement VI (198º) 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 Pierre Roger, O.S.B.. Born circa 1291 Maumont, Limousin, Kingdom of France, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Clement VI 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 (7 May 1342–6 December 1352) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Reigned during the Black Death and absolved those who died from it of their sins.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Clement VI 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
- 198th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 7 May 1342–6 December 1352
- Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
- Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Clement VI remains pope 198º 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 VI helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. 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 VI followed Pope Benedict XII (197º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Innocent VI (199º), 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.