Pope Bonifice and King Philip

By bharrington
  • Oct 5, 1285

    King Philip

    King Philip began to rule. Philip the fourth is also known as "Philip the Fair" and he is well known for his troubles. He was considered by some to be the sponsor of a golden age of peace and prosperity in France.
  • Dec 24, 1294

    Pope Boniface

    Boniface becomes pope. Boniface made strong claims to both religious and political power, which is not what other ruler in Europe had.
  • Dec 24, 1294

    What they were fighting about

    Boniface responded with a document that stated the kings must always obey popes. Philip did not like the idea so he held him prisoner.
  • Sep 12, 1300

    How they fought

    Philip persuaded the College of Cardinals to choose a French archbishop as the new pope. Boniface attempted to enforce papal authority on kings as previous popes had.
  • Sep 12, 1303

    Who won the fight

    King Philip had won because after Pope Bonifice was resaved, he died a month later. After that, never again would a pope be able to force monarchs to obey him.