Catherine of Siena's Role in Pope Gregory XI's Return to Rome

In 1309, Pope Clement V relocated the papal court from Rome to Avignon, France, where it remained for 70 years. The return to Rome was precipitated by political turmoil in Italy and the influence of Catherine of Siena, a mystic who persuaded Pope Gregory XI to move back. Catherine, born in 1347 in Siena, claimed visions from Christ from age five and experienced a Mystical Marriage at 21. Her reputation for holiness grew after receiving the stigmata in 1375. Gregory XI, born Pierre Roger de Beaufort in 1329, became pope in 1370. His reign faced conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War and disputes with Italian cities. After Milan's Duke Bernabo Visconti seized papal territories, Gregory excommunicated him, leading to a three-year war. Florence then formed an anti-papal coalition, prompting Gregory to excommunicate Florentine officials and place the city under interdict. Florence sought Catherine's mediation, and she traveled to Avignon in 1376. Though she failed to negotiate peace, she urged Gregory to return to Rome, writing letters that survive. Despite opposition from cardinals, Gregory decided to return, entering Rome on January 17, 1377. He died on March 27, 1378, leading to the Great Western Schism. Catherine supported Pope Urban VI and died on April 29, 1380, later canonized in 1461.