What was the Avignon Papacy?

The city where seven successive pontiffs resided during the 14th century became an unlikely talking point this week.

As the mighty Rhône River flows down from Switzerland, through France, and out into the Mediterranean Sea, it passes through an urban area nicknamed the “City of the Popes.”

The main entrance of the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France. Credit: Tognopop/wikimedia CC0.

On a rocky outcrop on the river’s left bank stands a Gothic building that is one of t…