Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Urbi et Orbi, Christmas 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters! "A holy day has dawned upon us." A day of great hope: today the Saviour of mankind is born. The birth of a child normally brings a light of hope to those who are waiting anxiously. When Jesus was born in the stable at Bethlehem, a "great light" appeared on earth; a great hope entered the hearts of those who awaited him: in the words of today’s Christmas liturgy, "lux magna". Admittedly it was not "great" in the manner of this world, because the first to see it were only Mary, Joseph and some shepherds, then the Magi, the old man Simeon, the prophetess Anna: those whom God had chosen. Yet, in the shadows and silence of that holy night, a great and inextinguishable light shone forth for every man; the great hope that brings happiness entered into the world: "the Word was made flesh and we saw his glory" (Jn 1:14)."God is light", says Saint John, "and in him is no darkness at all" (1 Jn 1:5). In the Book of Genesis we read that when the universe was created, "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep." "God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light." (Gen 1:2-3). The creative Word of God – Dabar in Hebrew, Verbum in Latin, Logos in Greek – is Light, the source of life. All things were made through the Logos, not one thing had its being but through him (cf. Jn 1:3). That is why all creatures are fundamentally good and bear within themselves the stamp of God, a spark of his light. Nevertheless, when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, the Light himself came into the world: in the words of the Creed, "God from God, Light from Light". In Jesus, God assumed what he was not, while remaining what he was: "omnipotence entered an infant’s body and did not cease to govern the universe" (cf. Saint Augustine, Sermo 184, No. 1 on Christmas). The Creator of man became man in order to bring peace to the world. For this reason, during Christmas night, the hosts of angels sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those whom he loves" (Lk 2:14)."Today a great light has come upon the earth". The Light of Christ is the bearer of peace. At Midnight Mass, the Eucharistic liturgy begins with this very chant: "Today true peace has come down to us from heaven" (Entrance Antiphon). Indeed, it is only the "great" light manifested in Christ that can give "true" peace to men: that is why every generation is called to welcome it, to welcome the God who in Bethlehem became one of us.This is Christmas – the historical event and the mystery of love, which for more than two thousand years has spoken to men and women of every era and every place. It is the holy day on which the "great light" of Christ shines forth, bearing peace! Certainly, if we are to recognize it, if we are to receive it, faith is needed and humility is needed. The humility of Mary, who believed in the word of the Lord and, bending low over the manger, was the first to adore the fruit of her womb; the humility of Joseph, the just man, who had the courage of faith and preferred to obey God rather than to protect his own reputation; the humility of the shepherds, the poor and anonymous shepherds, who received the proclamation of the heavenly messenger and hastened towards the stable, where they found the new-born child and worshipped him, full of astonishment, praising God (cf. Lk 2:15-20). The little ones, the poor in spirit: they are the key figures of Christmas, in the past and in the present; they have always been the key figures of God’s history, the indefatigable builders of his Kingdom of justice, love and peace.In the silence of that night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and lovingly welcomed. And now, on this Christmas Day, when the joyful news of his saving birth continues to resound, who is ready to open the doors of his heart to the holy child? Men and women of this modern age, Christ comes also to us bringing his light, he comes also to us granting peace! But who is watching, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a vigilant, praying heart? Who is waiting for the dawn of the new day, keeping alight the flame of faith? Who has time to listen to his word and to become enfolded and entranced by his love? Yes! His message of peace is for everyone; he comes to offer himself to all people as sure hope for salvation.Finally, may the light of Christ, which comes to enlighten every human being, shine forth and bring consolation to those who live in the darkness of poverty, injustice and war; to those who are still denied their legitimate aspirations for a more secure existence, for health, education, stable employment, for fuller participation in civil and political responsibilities, free from oppression and protected from conditions that offend against human dignity. It is the most vulnerable members of society – women, children, the elderly – who are so often the victims of brutal armed conflicts, terrorism and violence of every kind, which inflict such terrible sufferings on entire populations. At the same time, ethnic, religious and political tensions, instability, rivalry, disagreements, and all forms of injustice and discrimination are destroying the internal fabric of many countries and embittering international relations. Throughout the world the number of migrants, refugees and evacuees is also increasing because of frequent natural disasters, often caused by alarming environmental upheavals.On this day of peace, my thoughts turn especially to those places where the grim sound of arms continues to reverberate; to the tortured regions of Darfur, Somalia, the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia; to the whole of the Middle East – especially Iraq, Lebanon and the Holy Land; to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to the Balkans and to many other crisis situations that unfortunately are frequently forgotten. May the Child Jesus bring relief to those who are suffering and may he bestow upon political leaders the wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions. To the thirst for meaning and value so characteristic of today’s world, to the search for prosperity and peace that marks the lives of all mankind, to the hopes of the poor: Christ – true God and true Man – responds with his Nativity. Neither individuals nor nations should be afraid to recognize and welcome him: with Him "a shining light" brightens the horizon of humanity; in him "a holy day" dawns that knows no sunset. May this Christmas truly be for all people a day of joy, hope and peace!"Come you nations and adore the Lord." With Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, with the Magi and the countless host of humble worshippers of the new-born Child, who down the centuries have welcomed the mystery of Christmas, let us too, brothers and sisters from every continent, allow the light of this day to spread everywhere: may it enter our hearts, may it brighten and warm our homes, may it bring serenity and hope to our cities, and may it give peace to the world. This is my earnest wish for you who are listening. A wish that grows into a humble and trustful prayer to the Child Jesus, that his light will dispel all darkness from your lives and fill you with love and peace. May the Lord, who has made his merciful face to shine in Christ, fill you with his happiness and make you messengers of his goodness. Happy Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Restoration for Belfast's oldest (original) Catholic church


The BBC reports on the imminent closure for restoration of St Malachy's Catholic Church, Alfred Street, Belfast (Diocese of Down and Connor). Begun in 1841 and consecrated in December 1844 (during the episcopacy of Dr Cornelius Denvir and the reign of Pope Gregory XVI), St Malachy's serves not only its parishioners in the nearby Markets and Ormeau area, but also the many hundreds of people who shop and work nearby.

The church, distinctive with its unique castle-like turrets, its fan-vaulted ceiling and unorthodox shape, has suffered the ravages of time and war. In 1941, two Luftwaffe bombs fell nearby, blowing out all the windows. The Irish oak window frames were replaced as an emergency measure with concrete which is now decaying. However, experts have told parish priest Fr Anthony Curran that the replacement frames did more damage than the German bombs.

St Malachy's famous turrets are also in a sad state and 23,000 of the building's hand-made bricks will need to be replaced as part of the £3.5m renovation. The church will close in early January for between 12 and 15 months.

The building was one of those affected by the changes recommended in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council which favoured a somewhat minimalist approach to the interior of Catholic churches. As a result, many churches suffered what some clergy now call "ecclesiastical vandalism" with the loss of splendid features such as high altars, altar railings and mosaic flooring.

St Malachy's curate, Fr Martin Graham, said marble steps leading to the altar would replace the wooden version installed 40 years ago and the altar rails and mosaic tiles would be restored. "A new marble altar will be installed, the gift of a parishioner," Fr Graham said. "The panelling around the Sanctuary will be stencilled in many colours, returning it to its original look. Two new side altars, to Saint Francis and Saint Anthony, will be installed and the other side altars will be renovated. "The seating in the church will also be remodelled and the paintings above the altar will be cleaned and restored."

Although St Malachy's was built in the traditional cruciform shape, it is unorthodox in that the building is broader than it is long. Fr Graham said the original plans were for a church of cathedral size which would seat 7,000 people and cover much of present day Clarence Street opposite. With potato crops failing and many people living in grinding poverty, church leaders of the day took the decision, Fr Graham said, to "spend the money on food for the poor, rather than on bricks". The plans were subsequently altered leading to the truncated appearance which adds to the charm of the building.

St Malachy's priests have launched a restoration fund to help cover the expense of the renovation with parishioners and visitors invited to "pay for a brick" or dedicate one of the new seats to a loved one. Fr Graham said: "It is not just a great building, it is a living and working church serving its parish and thousands of the people who come to this part of Belfast for work and shopping. "In the bustle of the city, the church offers them a place of peace for quiet prayer and reflection. The time ahead is challenging but Saint Malachy's Church has stood for 166 years because many generations have cared for it. "Now it's this generation's turn to hand it on those who will come after us."

Christus natus est

To all you Lovers of Futility...
Domenico Ghirlandaio (14491494)

...a very Happy and Holy Christmas

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Blair Converts

A 'road to Damascus' moment for the Middle East Peace Envoy.


First we had New Labour...

...Now we have New Catholicism!

The BBC has the story HERE.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Do some work!

I notice that among those recently dropping in to Lover of Futility are visitors from the University of Oxford and - wait for it - the Vatican!

Really, have these people nothing better to do?

It reminds me of the alleged response of Blessed John XXIII to the question 'How many people work in the Vatican?'

His answer...

'About half!'

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Why does Rocco Palmo write for The Tablet?

Damian Thompson, Editor of the Catholic Herald and Daily Telegraph correspondent writes in his blog, Holy Smoke, about a 'spiteful attack' on Pope Benedict XVI in this week's Tablet (known by more traditional Catholics as The Bitter Pill) by its Rome correspondent, Robert Mickens.

This has got me wondering about Rocco Palmo, author of the well-known Whispers in the Loggia blog, who describes himself as a contributor to The Tablet. Now I may be wrong, but Palmo strikes me as a great fan of Benedict XVI (or 'His Fluffiness' as he sometimes describes the Pope - because of his great head of hair if you must know) and I would be interested how he can square his filial devotion to Benedict with with being in the pay of a publication that clearly detests much of what the current Pope is about.

Anything to say, Rocco...?

Time for the winter woolies again!

[photo: REUTERS/Dario Pignatelli (ITALY)]

Pope Benedict donning the winter Mozzetta for the first time while making the annual Papal visit to a statue of Our Lady near the Spanish Steps to mark the feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8th December.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Where in the World...?

Recent visitors hail from:

Poland - Wrzesnia, Poznan

United States - Eugene, Oregon

United Kingdom - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of

United Kingdom - London, London, City of

Croatia - Metkovic, Dubrovacko-Neretvanska

Ireland - Cavan

United States - Fort Worth, Texas

United States - Trenton, Michigan

United States - Bridgewater, Massachusetts

United Kingdom - Alyth, Perth and Kinross

United Kingdom - Derby

Croatia - Zagreb, Grad Zagreb

United Kingdom - Belfast

Switzerland - Herzogenbuchsee, Aargau

Poland - Lwowek Slaski, Jelenia Gora

Belgium - Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest

Germany - Rthenbach, Bayern

United Kingdom - Grays, Thurrock

Germany - Essen, Nordrhein-Westfalen

New Zealand - North Shore

United States - Coupeville, Washington

United States - Freeport, New York

United States - Los Angeles, California

United States - Brooklyn, New York

United States - Jersey City, New Jersey

Ireland - Kilkenny

Welcome to one and all!

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Spe Salvi


ENCYCLICAL LETTER
SPE SALVI
OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF
BENEDICT XVI
TO THE BISHOPS PRIESTS AND DEACONS
MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS
AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON CHRISTIAN HOPE

Click HERE for the full text.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Crown of Glory


Now that's what I call a mitre!

(Apparently it once graced the brow of Pio Nono)

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Whispering the Wrong Number

Rocco Palmo needs to check his facts more. He states that Sean Brady becomes Ireland's eleventh cardinal when, in fact, he becomes its seventeenth, as I have already indicated!

Perhaps if Rocco had stated Brady is Ireland's eleventh residential cardinal I would not be so exercised!

Get your facts - or your words - right, Rocco!

Titles and deaconries assigned to the cardinals created in the consistory of November 24, 2007

What follows is the list of churches assigned to the new cardinals. An asterisk (*) indicates newly established titles or deaconries.

Leonardo Sandri, deaconry of Ss. Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari.

John Patrick Foley, deaconry of S. Sebastiano al Palatino.

Giovanni Lajolo, deaconry of S. Maria Liberatrice a Monte Testaccio.

Paul Josef Cordes, deaconry of S. Lorenzo in Piscibus.*

Angelo Comastri, deaconry of S. Salvatore in Lauro.*

Stanisław Ryłko, deaconry of S. Cuore di Cristo Re.

Raffaele Farina, S.D.B., deaconry of S. Giovanni della Pigna.

Agustín García-Gasco Vicente, title of S. Marcello.

Seán Baptist Brady, title of Ss. Quirico e Giulitta.

Lluis Martínez Sistach, title of S. Sebastiano alle Catacombe.

André Vingt-Trois, title of S. Luigi dei Francesi.

Angelo Bagnasco, title of Gran Madre di Dio.

Théodore-Adrien Sarr, title of S. Lucia a Piazza d'Armi.

Oswald Gracias, title of S. Paolo della Croce a "Corviale".

Francisco Robles Ortega, title of S. Maria della Presentazione.*

Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, title of S. Eusebio.

Odilio Pedro Scherer, title of S. Andrea al Quirinale.

John Njue, title of Preziossisimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo.*

Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans.

Giovanni Coppa, deaconry of S. Lino.*

Estanislao Esteban Karlic, title of of Beata Maria Vergine Addolorata a piazza Buenos Aires.

Urbano Navarrete Cortés, S.J., deaconry of S. Ponziano.*

Umberto Betti, O.F.M., deaconry of Ss. Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia.

Friday, November 23, 2007

What's Happening Tomorrow?


RITES OF THE CONSISTORY FOR THE CREATION OF NEW CARDINALS VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 2007 (VIS)

At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow, November 24, the Pope will hold an Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of 23 new cardinals.

The consistory for the creation of new cardinals, according to the new rite introduced during the consistory of June 28, 1991, contains the following points:

Following a liturgical greeting, the Pope reads the formula of creation, and solemnly proclaims the names of the new cardinals. The first of the new cardinals then addresses the Holy Father on behalf of everyone.

This is followed by the Liturgy of the Word, the Pope's homily, the Profession of Faith and the taking of the oath by each cardinal.

Each new cardinal then approaches the Holy Father and kneels before him to receive the cardinal's biretta and to be assigned a title or deaconry.

The Pope places the biretta on the cardinal's head and says, in part: "(This is) red as a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace and harmony among the people of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church".

The Holy Father hands over the Bull of Creation as cardinal, assigns the title or deaconry and exchanges a kiss of peace with the new members of the College of Cardinals. The cardinals also exchange such a sign among themselves.

The rite is concluded with the Prayer of the Faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and the final blessing.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Consistory Countdown


A couple of interesting sites on all things cardinal:

A blog covering the trip to Rome of Cardinal-elect DiNardo.

An information site on Cardinal-elect Brady.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Birthday!

Lover of Futility is one.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Irish Cardinals

This week's announcement of the impending elevation to the sacred purple of Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh has resulted in some focus on the fact that Ireland has, for the first time, three Cardinals.

Well, it all depends on how you look at it...

...and I'm going to look at it in terms of Irish-born Cardinals.

Chronologically, the following men have become Cardinals:

Paul Cullen (Archbishop of Dublin). Created June 1866. Died October 1878.

Edward McCabe (Archbishop of Dublin). Created March 1882. Died February 1885.

Francis Moran (Archbishop of Sydney). Created July 1885. Died August 1911.

Michael Logue (Archbishop of Armagh). Created January 1893. Died November 1924.

John Farley (Archbishop of New York). Created November 1911. Died September 1918.

Patrick O'Donnell (Archbishop of Armagh). Created December 1925. Died October 1927.

Joseph MacRory (Archbishop of Armagh). Created December 1929. Died October 1945.

John Glennon (Archbishop of Saint Louis). Created February 1946. Died March 1946.

John D'Alton (Archbishop of Armagh). Created January 1953. Died February 1963.

Michael Browne OP (Master General of the Order of Preachers). Created March 1962. Died March 1971.

William Conway (Archbishop of Armagh). Created February 1965. Died April 1977.

Timothy Manning (Archbishop of Los Angeles). Created March 1973. Died June 1989.

Tomas O'Fiaich (Archbishop of Armagh). Created June 1979. Died May 1990.

Cahal Daly (Archbishop of Armagh). Created June 1991.

Desmond Connell (Archbishop of Dublin). Created February 2001.

Keith O'Brien (Archbishop of Saint Andrews). Created October 2003.

Sean Brady (Archbishop of Armagh). Created November 2007.

Until the elevation of Cardinal O'Brien, there had never been more that two Irish Cardinals at any one time:

Moran and Logue;
Logue and Farley;
D'Alton and Browne;
Browne and Conway;
Conway and Manning;
Manning and O'Fiaich;
Daly and Connell.

In 2003 Daly and Connell were joined by O'Brien. Now they have been joined by Brady. That makes four Irish Cardinals with, for the first time, three of them being or having been residential Irish bishops.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Cardinal-Elect Sean Brady


New Hinges

With thanks to Rocco Palmo over at Whispers, the new cardinals are:

Electors:

Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches (Argentina)
John Patrick Foley, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (USA)
Giovanni Lajolo, Governor of the Vatican City-State (Italy)
Paul-Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum (Germany)
Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St Peter's Basilica, Pope's vicar-general of the Vatican-City State (Italy)
Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Poland)
Raffaele Farina SDB, archivist of the Holy Roman Church (Italy)
Agustin Garcia-Gasco y Vicente, archbishop of Valencia (Spain)
Sean Brady, archbishop of Armagh, primate of All Ireland (Ireland)
Jose Lluis Sistach, archbishop of Barcelona (Spain)
Andre Vingt-Trois, archbishop of Paris (France)
Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa (Italy)
Theodore-Adrien Sarr, archbishop of Dakar (Senegal)
Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay (India)
Francisco Lopez Ortega, archbishop of Monterrey (Mexico)
Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston (USA)
Odilio Pedro Scherer, archbishop of Sao Paulo (Brazil)
John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi (Kenya)

Five "honoraries"/over-80s:

Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylonia of the Chaldeans (Iraq)
Giovanni Coppa, archbishop, (retired) apostolic nuncio (Italy)
Esteban Karlic, archbishop-emeritus of Parana (Argentina)
Fr Urbano Navarrete, SJ, rector-emeritus of the Pontifical Gregorian University
Fr Umberto Betti, OFM, rector-emeritus of the Pontifical Lateran University

More to follow on Armagh's new galero...

Friday, September 28, 2007

Monday, September 10, 2007

Benedict XVI at Loreto

A nice image...For some more, click HERE.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Amazing Ordination Pictures

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest has published impressive images of a recent ordination ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Toledo, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera.

Click HERE to see.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part VII

Pope Eugenius IV
Gabriele Cardinal Condulmer, Cardinal priest of San Clemente, then Cardinal priest of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Bishop of Siena, Abbot commendatario of the monasteries of S. Giorgio Maggiore and S. Salvatore, Venice; and of S. Giuliano, Rimini. Abbot commendatario of the monastery of S. Giustina, Padua. Elected Bishop of Rome on 3 March 1431 in the sacristy of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, taking the name Eugenius IV and was crowned on 11 March.

Pope Eugenius IV died on 23 February 1447, in Rome in the 16th year of his pontificate. He was buried in the church of San Salvatore in Lauro, Rome.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part VI

Pope Martin V
Oddone Cardinal Colonna, Cardinal deacon of San Giorgio in Velabro, Bishop of Urbino, Vicar of Rome and archpriest of the Patriarchal Lateran Basilica. Elected Bishop of Rome on 11 November 1417 at the Council of Constance (where twenty-three cardinals joined with six representatives from each of the five nations - England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - to conduct a unique conclave), taking the name Martin V, ordained to the priesthood on 13 November, in the presbyterium of the cathedral of Constance, consecrated to the episcopate on 14 November in the same presbyterium, and crowned, on 21 November 21, 1417, in front of the cathedral of Constance.

Pope Martin V died on 20 February, 1431, in Rome in the 14th year of his pontificate. He was buried in the middle of the nave of the Patriarchal Lateran Basilica, Rome; in 1853, his tomb was transferred to the area of the Confession of the Basilica.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part V

Pope Gregory XII

Angelo Cardinal Correr, Cardinal priest of San Marco, Latin Patriarch of Constantinople. Elected Bishop of Rome on 30 November 1406 in Rome, taking the name Gregory XII, and was crowned on 19 December.

Pope Gregory XII resigned the papacy on 4 July 1415 in the Council of Constance in the 9th year of his pontificate. The Council granted him the title of Cardinal Bishop of Porto e Santa Rufina and the rank immediately after the pope; as well as the legation, for life, of Marche Anconitana. His abdication allowed the end of the Western Schism.

Cardinal Correr died 0n 18 October 1417 in Recanati. He was buried in the cathedral of Recanati.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part IV

Pope Innocent VII
Cosmato Gentile Cardinal de' Migliorati, Cardinal priest of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, archbishop of Bologna, Vice-camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Papal treasurer and vice-chancellor of the Holy Roman Church. Elected Bishop of Rome in Rome on October 17, 1404, taking the name Innocent VII and was crowned on November 11, 1404, on the steps of the patriarchal Vatican basilica.

Pope Innocent VII died in Rome on 6 November 1406 in the 2nd year of his pontificate. He was buried in the patriarchal Vatican basilica.

A Voice of Reason!

The eninently sensible Fr Dwight Longenecker over at Standing on My Head has written a very balanced response to the whole furore that has erupted in the aftermath of the release of Summorum Pontificium.

Click HERE to read what he has to say.

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part III

Pope Boniface IX
Piero Cardinal Tomacelli, Cardinal deacon of San Giorgio, then cardinal priest of Santa Anastasia, Archpriest of the Patriarchal Lateran Basilica. Elected Bishop of Rome in Rome on 2 November 1389, taking the name Boniface IX and was consecrated to the episcopate and crowned on 9 November.

Pope Boniface IX died in Rome on 1 October, 1404 in the 15th year of his pontificate. He was buried in the northern lateral nave of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, Rome; his tomb was demolished in 1507 during the construction of the new basilica.


Thursday, August 16, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part II

Pope Urban VI
Bartolomeo Prignano, Archbishop of Acerenza, Archbishop of Bari, Regent of the Papal Chancery. Elected Bishop of Rome in Rome on 8 April 1378, taking the name Urban VI and was crowned on 18 April. He was the last Pope not to have been a member of the College of Cardinals. Five monts after his election the French Cardinals elected Robert of Geneva as Clement VII (1378-1394). Thus began the Western Schism (1378-1417).

Pope Urban VI died on 15 October 1389 in the 12th year of his pontificate. He was buried in the Grottoes of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica.


Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Papal Tombs and Monuments (1370-1447) Part I

Pope Gregory XI

Pierre Roger Cardinal de Beaufort, Cardinal Deacon of Santa Maria Nuova. Elected Bishop of Rome on 30 December 1370 in the Palace of Popes, Avignon, taking the name Pope Gregory XI, ordained to the priesthood on 4 January 1371, and was consecrated to the episcopate and crowned on 5 January.

Pope Gregory XI died on 27 March 1378 in Rome in the 8th year of his pontificate. The last of the Avignon Popes, he was buried in Santa Maria Nuova e Santa Francesca Romana in the Forum.

Monday, August 13, 2007