Considered a saint: Who is Pope Bonifacius VIII?

(1235-1303) Italian pope. He worked to unite all Christian communities under the papacy. Born in Anagni, died in Rome. His real name is Benedetto Caetani. Although he is an important figure in the history of the church, there is no detailed information about his life before he took office; The only known events are the events he was involved in during his mission. He gained fame with his efforts to ensure peace, to prevent ongoing conflicts and wars between the kings by gathering all Christian communities under the rule of the papacy in Rome, and later he was included among the "saints".

Pope Boniface VIII (1230 – 11 October 1303) was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 24 December 1294 to his death in 1303. The Caetani family was of baronial origin, with connections to the papacy. He succeeded Pope Celestine V, who had abdicated from the papal throne. Boniface spent his early career abroad in diplomatic roles.

Bonifacius VIII, who attracted attention at his age with his wide knowledge and peace-loving attitude, became first cardinal (1281), then papal ambassador in France, then pope (1294). Despite all his peaceful attempts, he could not prevent the ongoing wars between Genoa and Venice, Aragon and Anjou, France, and England. He had a falling out with the King of France, Philip IV, who opposed the priest candidates getting a share of the general expenses. Thereupon, he argued that the King should not interfere in church affairs, putting forward the "Clericis Laicos Decision", which increased the problems of the church and the kingdom. The church's dispute with the kingdom was settled after a while.

VIII Bonifacius also made an agreement by including Louis IX among the "saints". A great meeting was held (1300), Bonifacius, who made a speech because of this event, which is considered the first important meeting regarding the administration of the papacy, declared that the papacy dominated the whole universe, reinforcing the view of the superiority of the church. Then he excommunicated Philip IV (1303). The king convened a plenary session through Guillaume de Nogaret. There was approval to capture Bonifacius VIII, war was declared against Anagni, the Colonnas attacked Bonifacius VIII (1303), and Bonifacius died shortly after the Anagni rescued him. VIII Bonifacius is known in the history of the church as the main dominion of the church. This is the reason why he was included among the "saints" after his death.