Bonifacio VIII

Bonifacio VIII, born Benedetto Caetani in 1235, was Pope from 1294 to 1303 and is best known for his assertion of papal supremacy and the controversial declaration of the first Holy Year, or jubilee, in 1300, which encouraged pilgrims to visit Rome. His papacy was marked by conflict with the French monarchy and the establishment of the principle of papal authority over secular rulers, which led to significant political strife. Bonifacio VIII's legacy includes his papal bull 'Unam Sanctam,' which emphasized the necessity of obedience to the pope for salvation, and his tumultuous relationship with King Philip IV of France, culminating in the dramatic events surrounding his eventual arrest and death.