Pope Innocent VI

Pope Innocent VI, born Étienne Aubert in 1282 in the Diocese of Limoges, served as the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from December 18, 1352, until his death on September 12, 1362. He is notably recognized as the fifth Avignon pope and the only one to adopt the pontifical name of 'Innocent.'

Before ascending to the papacy, Aubert was a distinguished civil law professor and held various ecclesiastical positions, culminating in his appointment as Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and Velletri by Pope Clement VI. His papacy began on December 30, 1352, during which he implemented significant reforms in church administration and revoked an agreement that favored the college of cardinals over the pope.

Innocent VI's tenure was marked by his efforts to restore order in Rome through his legate, Cardinal Albornoz, and his involvement in the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which sought to bring peace between France and England. Despite facing financial difficulties due to ongoing wars in Italy and the repercussions of a devastating plague, he took measures such as reducing chapel staff and selling works of art to alleviate the church's financial burdens.

As a patron of letters, Innocent VI was generally regarded as just and merciful, although he faced criticism from figures like St. Bridget of Sweden for his treatment of the Fraticelli. He passed away on September 12, 1362, and was succeeded by Urban V, with his final resting place located in the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.