Pope Benedict XII was born with the given name of Jacques Fournier in the year 1280 A.D., and died in 1342 A.D. He began his reign as Pope in the year 1334 A.D. and ended his reign in the year 1342 A.D., during the Late Middle Ages. Benedict XII was from France, and his papal number is: 197 out of 267 officially recognized Roman Catholic Popes.
Summary: Cistercian pope who pursued reform and built the palace at Avignon.
Biography:Benedict XII brought a more austere and reform-minded spirit to Avignon papal life. A former Cistercian and inquisitor, he sought to address laxity within religious orders and strengthen ecclesiastical discipline.
He is also remembered for constructing much of the great papal palace at Avignon, giving enduring architectural form to the institution’s residence there. His reign balanced administrative solidity with concern for moral reform.
Benedict XII remains a significant Avignon pope whose seriousness and restraint distinguished him from more courtly contemporaries.
