John XXII - Definition and Overview

Pope John XXII, né Jacques d'Euse (1249 - December 4, 1334), was elected to the papacy in 1316 and reigned until his death in 1334.

The two-year gap between the death of Clement V and the election of John XXII was due to extreme disagreement between the cardinals who were split into two factions. After two years, Philip V of France finally managed to arrange a conclave of twenty-three cardinals in Lyons. They duly elected John XXII Pope and he was crowned in Lyon. He set up his residence in Avignon rather than Rome.

John involved himself in the politics and religious movements of many European countries in order to advance the interests of the Church. This made him a very controversial pope at the time.

See also: Avignon Papacy