Pope from October 22, 1303 - July 7, 1304
Lived: 1240 - July 7, 1304
Birth name: Nicola Boccasini
Who was this guy before he was pope?
Nicola Boccasini was born in Treviso, Italy in the year 1240. He entered the Order of Preachers at age fourteen, the order of which he would eventually be named Master General. At 28, Nicola became a professor of theology and at 56 was named head of the Dominicans. As its chief, and being aware of the shady business going around to discredit Pope Boniface VIII, Nicola forbade members of his order from favoring the pontiff’s opponents. Boniface, as thanks for his loyalty in dark times, made Nicola a cardinal in 1298. Nicola would eventually serve as Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Dean of the College of Cardinals, and was one of just two cardinals who stayed behind to protect Boniface from the assassination attempt that nearly claimed his life.
Okay, give me the scoop on Benedict XI.
Due to his example of courage in protecting the Successor of Peter, Benedict XI was unanimously elected to follow Boniface VIII on October 22, 1303. Being in office just eight months, Benedict didn’t have time to do much, but he did manage to call out the guys responsible for almost killing his former boss, commanding them to appear in Rome with the papal bull Flagitiosum scelus (“Shameful crime”). He also annulled Boniface’s bull Unam Sanctam.
Benedict XI died suddenly on July 7, 1304, and thanks to his reputation for holiness, Christians immediately flocked to venerate his tomb. After many miracles were reported happening there, he was beatified by Pope Clement XII on April 24, 1736.
What was he known for?
Blessed Pope Benedict XI was known best for doing literally the opposite of Boniface in dealing with the French. King Philip IV, probably glad to have been rid of Boniface, graciously welcomed the new pontiff and offered his obedience and devotion. Benedict returned the goodwill in the same measure, lifting all censures placed on France by the previous pope, and all without getting any egg on the Roman Church’s face.
Fun Fact...
Benedict XI is the subject of an interesting story written in the 16th Century. A pilgrim visiting Rome was said to have interrupted the papal Mass on Monday of Easter week, wishing Benedict to hear his confession. Instead of being indignant and shooing the pilgrim away, it’s said that Benedict paused Mass, heard the man’s confession, then finished the liturgy. Though the story can’t be verified, Benedict’s holiness makes it not out of the question.
What else was going on in the world at the time?
Just a couple of months before Benedict’s election, an August 8 earthquake in Egypt destroyed the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Coming Monday....Pope Clement V