Les relations privilégiées de l’abbaye de Fontfroide avec le Saint-Siège aux xiie et xiiie siècles

Abstract

As soon as it affiliated to the order of Cîteaux in 1145, the abbey of Fontfroide experience rapid growth, which it owed largely to the support of the Holy See. Papal protection enabled the community, during the first century of its existence, to legitimate its policy of expansion and to consolidate its huge patrimony. By the early 13th century, its development was apparent. Taking advantage of the various exemptions progressively granted to Cistercian monasteries, Fontfroide affirmed its autonomy towards diocesan power from 1200 onwards, gradually freeing itself from episcopal jurisdiction. The abbey maintained close relations with the papal curia which replied favourably to its many requests, thereby protecting its interests and enabling it to emerge as a powerful ecclesiastical lordship.