Pope Clement VI (198º): Avignon Papacy — Complete Guide

Who Was Pope Clement VI?

Clement VI holds the 198º place among Roman pontiffs, with a recorded reign of 7 May 1342–6 December 1352 inside the high Middle Ages. Search interest often clusters around Avignon Papacy. Subject of the Kingdom of France. What follows is a structured biography — early life, context, acts, and succession — written for Catholics who want Clement VI in context.

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 (#undefined) led during crusades, monastic reform, and cathedral culture — and during sharp contests between popes and emperors over 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

Acts associated with Clement VI (#198, 7 May 1342–6 December 1352) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 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. Set against the high Middle Ages, Clement VI's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Catholics who open a page on Clement VI usually want more than a birth-death line — they want to know what #198 did inside the high Middle Ages. Begin with this documented note: Subject of the Kingdom of France. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Clement VI's reign looks unique or typical for the high Middle Ages.

Place in the Line of Succession

Clement VI followed Pope Benedict XII (197º, 20 December 1334–25 April 1342) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Innocent VI (199º, 18 December 1352–12 September 1362), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.