Written by Guide Catholic
Pope Innocent VI (199º): Avignon Papacy — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 18 December 1352–12 September 1362 · Origin: Les Monts, France · Birth name: Innocentius Sextus
Innocent VI was the 199th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 18 December 1352–12 September 1362 during the high Middle Ages. Through his exertions, the Treaty of Brétigny was signed and ratified.
Who Was Pope Innocent VI?
Pope Innocent VI — 199º in the Catholic list — reigned 18 December 1352–12 September 1362 during the high Middle Ages. Search interest often clusters around Avignon Papacy. Subject of the Kingdom of France. This Guide Catholic profile gathers background, major acts, and legacy so you can read Innocent VI beside neighboring pontiffs.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Étienne Aubert. Born circa 1282 Les Monts, Limousin, Kingdom of France, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Innocent 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 (18 December 1352–12 September 1362) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Acts associated with Innocent VI (#199, 18 December 1352–12 September 1362) 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
- 199th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 18 December 1352–12 September 1362
- Shepherded the Church during the high Middle Ages
- Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Innocent VI remains pope 199º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the high Middle Ages, Innocent 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
Place Innocent VI on your mental map: 199º successor of Peter, reigning 18 December 1352–12 September 1362, formed by the high Middle Ages. Start with the concrete record: Through his exertions, the Treaty of Brétigny was signed and ratified. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Innocent VI's reign looks unique or typical for the high Middle Ages.
Place in the Line of Succession
Innocent VI followed Pope Clement VI (198º, 7 May 1342–6 December 1352) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Bl. Urban V (200º, 28 September 1362–19 December 1370), 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.