Pope Boniface VIII (Latin: Bonifacius PP. VIII, Italian: Bonifacio VIII; born Benedetto Caetani; c. 1230 – 11 October 1303) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 24 December 1294 until his death in 1303.

Boniface VIII (born c. 1235—died October 11, 1303, Rome [Italy]) was the pope from 1294 to 1303, the extent of whose authority was vigorously challenged by the emergent powerful monarchs of western Europe, especially Philip IV of France.

Pope Boniface VIII was the 193rd pope and one of the most controversial from history. He reigned for more than eight years and was responsible for Unam Sanctum.

Pope Boniface VIII went down in history as one of the most controversial popes of all time. His conflicts with the state, particularly the French King Philip IV, led to a posthumous trial against him for heresy.

Though certainly one of the most remarkable pontiffs that have ever occupied the papal throne, Boniface VIII was also one of the most unfortunate. His pontificate marks in history the decline of the medieval power and glory of the papacy.

He succeeded a pious and good man, Pope Celestine but one who could not manage the papal machinery and who was actually too generous with his gifts for the treasury to cope with. Celestine abdicated and Boniface VIII (Benedict Gaetani) was elected to succeed him.

Born Benedetto Gaetani c. 1235, he was a lawyer, a papal notary, and a cardinal before he advised Celestine V to resign in 1294. Boniface was then elected to the see of Rome and his reign was characterized by conflict with Philip IV of France.

Discover Pope Boniface VIII: his life, writings, and influential contributions to the church in this detailed article.

May 23, 2018 · Boniface VIII (Benedetto Gaetano) (ca. 1228-1303) Pope who gained an unenviable notoriety in Dante's Inferno as "Prince of the new Pharisees" and was regarded by many people as an exponent of black magic.

Jun 10, 2023 · To bolster his case, Boniface went against Philip and granted recognition of Holy Roman Emperor to Albert I of Hapsburg, a previous ally of Philip. Albert was then said to possess overlordship of all other kingdoms in Europe, even France.