Pope Nicholas III Research Paper

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Pages: 1

In the late 13th century Pope Nicholas III rebuilt the Papal Palace and the first Vatican conclave took place here in 1303 electing Pope Benedict XI. Within six years, succeeding popes resided most of the 14th century in Avignon. The palace, basilica, and the entire city suffered very serious neglect and deterioration during the papal absence. When the popes finally returned to Rome in 1377 (Babylonian Captivity), the Great Schism soon followed, rocked and threatened the papacy until 1417 when Pope Martin V (1417-1431) was elected and universally recognized as the legitimate pope. Because of its sad state of deterioration Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455) moved the papal residence from the Lateran to the Vatican. He enlarged the Vatican palace complex