Summary: The title of this episode of is Of Popes & Princes. As far as the Church in the West was concerned, the 14th C opened on what seemed a strong note. Early in 1300 Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed a Year of Jubilee, something new on the Church calendar. The Pope’s decree announced a blanket pardon of all sins for all who visited the churches of St. Peter & St. Paul in Rome over the next 10 months. Huge crowds poured into the city. Boniface VIII was an interesting man. He had a definite flair for the pomp & circumstance of what some might call pretentious ceremony. He regularly appeared in public dressed in royal, or even better, imperial robes, announcing, “I am Caesar. I am Emperor.” His papal crown had 48 rubies, 72 sapphires, 45 emeralds, & 66 large pearls. He could afford to be generous w/pardons. At the Church of St. Paul, pilgrims to Rome kept priests busy night & day collecting & counting the unending offerings. (more…)
