1265- 1321 - Dante was a Florentine noble who was exiled from his political office. Dante is well known for his work the Divine Comedy which he wrote between 1313- 1321, while in exile. Dante's work depicts the progression of a soul through the process of salvation.

1377- After determining that a decline in papal authority was due, at least in part, to an Avignon Papacy , Pope Gregory XI returned the seat of papal power to Rome. Unfortunately, in 1378 Gregory died, resulting in a new struggle for papal power. Many Roman cardinals feared that the powerful …

1305- 1377 - Continuing his bid to quell papal power, Philip IV pressured French cardinals to elect a French pope in the wake of the death of Bonifice VIII. Clement~V, 1305- 1314 was elected and moved the seat of the Papacy to Avignon, southern France, citing political turmoil in Rome …

1302 -- The Unam Sanctam was letter or "papal bull" written by Boniface~VIII to assert his authority to control taxation of the clergy. Boniface wrote that "if earthly power errs, it shall be judged by spiritual power," with the obvious implication that Popes supersede kings in all matters.

1294- 1303 - Pope Bonifice VIII was a controversial fourteenth century pope. When Philip IV intended to tax the clergy, Bonifice responded that clergy could not pay taxes in any state without papal consent. The power struggle underscored the inherent tension between the powerful European monarchs and the supreme papal authority …

1412- 1431 - Joan of Arc was the daughter of peasants from the village of Domr'emy in Champagne. Joan was deeply religious and is known to have experienced visions. She believed that several saints commanded her to free France and to return rule to the dauphin, or rightful heir. Joan of …