Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Sunday, 8 August 2021

Pope John XXII


Fr Hunwicke has published a piece on his blog about the fact that yesterday was the 705th anniversary of the election of Pope John XXII in 1316. Like Fr Hunwicke I have a soft spot for this second of the Avignon Popes and thought I would join in celebrating the anniversary by linking to what Fr Hunwicke wrote at John XXII

I will also add a portrait of the Pope - I am not sure where it is or its accepted date, but I assume it to be relatively close to the time of his pontificate.

Jean XXII 1316.JPG

Pope John XXII
Image: Wikipedia 

For those who want more of an introduction to his life the Wikipedia biography can be read at Pope John XXII

That lists depictions in fiction of the Pope. If you can find it the story of his election as shown in the original 1972 television version 
( eschew the 2005 remake ) of ‘The Royal Succession’ , part 4 of Les Rois Maudits is a joy to watch.

Just to be topical see if you know what uniquely links the pontificate of John XXII to the present one…I am not offering prizes.


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