The Pope in Exile

Abstract

Orvieto was a perfect natural fortress on the boundary between Roman and Tuscan territory, ‘the strongest possible site, being situated on a volcanic rock, with precipices and a steep fall around it, so that although in many places the city lacked a wall it was so high and sheer that no one could possibly climb up to it’.¹ It stood, in fact, at 315 metres above sea-level, dominating the surrounding countryside, with the result that in the Middle Ages it had been a Guelph stronghold and a frequent refuge for the popes. Here Clement was at least secure from the dreaded lansquenets. Nevertheless, on arrival at Orvieto he must have been tempted to despair. He had no money and no means of carrying on the ordinary government of the Church. He did not even have available a curial official with the necessary knowledge to write a papal brief. With the exception of his person and his ecclesiastical rank, Clement had apparently preserved nothing; he had lost his property, almost all his states, and the obedience of the majority of his subjects. He was not even able to keep his promise over the Legation of the March of Ancona for Pompeio Colonna, for the whole area of the March had revolted against papal authority.

Pope Clement VII, memorable for his ill-fortune.

Jacopo Nardi