Boniface VIII
Song for this post here.
As rumors fly...
Boniface succeeded Peter Celestine - the 'Benedictine' pope-to-resign prototype, kinda, sorta. I'm thinking and reading about these guys because of the mess in Rome now days...
We live in exciting times, I tell you!
Did you know?
Boniface was denounced by some as a heretical criminal?
He had a tumultuous papacy.
He cancelled everything his predecessor decreed - which wasn't much.
Oh! Oh! Pope Celestine was said to have been persuaded to resign - and Boniface was one of his advisers... I know! He had him imprisoned - quarantined ...
14th century miniature.
And then, and then ...
On 7 September 1303, an army led by Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna surprised Boniface at his retreat in Anagni. The King and the Colonnas demanded his resignation; Boniface VIII responded that he would "sooner die". In response, Colonna allegedly slapped Boniface, a "slap" historically remembered as the schiaffo di Anagni ("Anagni slap").
Perfect for Halloween.
Oh! Oh! And then ...
Boniface was probably beaten and nearly executed, but was released from captivity after three days. He died on 11 October 1303. He had died of suicide from "gnawing through his own arm" and bashing his skull into a wall. - Wiki
What a wonderful Church we have, such a rich, fascinating history. Who needs fiction when the truth is so captivating?! The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Not to worry!
Bonus!!!
Quote of the day:
Unam sanctam ecclesiam catholicam et ipsam apostolicam urgente fide credere cogimur et tenere, nosque hanc frmiter credimus et simpliciter confitemur, extra quam nec salus est, nec remissio peccatorum. - Boniface VIII
Disclaimer: No harsh accusations of living or dead embedded in this post. No hidden agenda or meaning intended. No judgement against the living or the dead proposed.
