Considerations Regarding the Beneficial Policy Led by the Popes of Avignon in the Diocese of Cenad in the Fourteenth Century

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to present and investigate the involvement of the popes of Avignon in the diocese of Cenad. In the case of the bishopric of Cenad, the interference of the French popes in the fourteenth century did not register significant proportions, as it happened in the bishopric of Transylvania or that of Oradea. Nevertheless, the popes’ interference existed, influencing the activity of the diocese, which was integrated in the vast general governing mechanism of the Catholic Church, issued and developed by the popes of Avignon. The first canon appointed by a pope, registered in documents, was Nicholas. He was appointed on February 25 1333 by Pope John XXII. Although the preserved documents do not allow for a detailed analysis of this papal interference mechanism, the ones that were preserved indicate the involvement of the French popes in the life of the diocese of Cenad, especially visible in the appointment of ecclesiastic positions, as well as in the taxation system. Documents attest that the pontiffs had fifteen interventions in the diocese during the times of the Avignon papacy, appointing or confirming ecclesiastic benefits. They appointed six clergymen as canons, while another six received archdeaconship positions or dignities in the cathedral chapter, which subsequently involved owning a canonship. The French popes also granted at Cenad two unmentioned positions in the cathedral chapter, as well as an unspecified ecclesiastical benefice.