Berengar Fredol the Elder facts for kids
Berengar Fredol (also known as Bérenger Frédol) was an important French church leader who lived from about 1250 to 1323. He was an expert in canon law (church law) and rose to become a Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati, a very high position in the Catholic Church.
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Early Church Roles
Berengar Fredol started his career in the church by holding several important jobs in France. He was a canon (a type of priest) and a precentor (someone who leads singing) in Béziers. He also served as an abbot (head of a monastery) and held other church roles in different cities.
Later, he became a professor of church law at the famous University of Bologna in Italy. His knowledge of church law was so impressive that Pope Celestine V made him his personal chaplain. In 1294, Pope Celestine V appointed him the Bishop of Béziers.
Working with Popes
Berengar Fredol worked closely with several popes during his lifetime.
Pope Boniface VIII
Pope Boniface VIII trusted Fredol with a big project: helping to create a new collection of church laws called the Liber Sextus. This book was very important for how the church was run. Fredol also played a key role in talks between the Pope and King Philip the Fair of France. He even attended a major church meeting in Rome in 1302.
Pope Clement V
In 1305, Pope Clement V made Fredol a cardinal, which is a very high rank in the Catholic Church. A cardinal helps elect the Pope and advises him. Fredol was given the title of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus.
Pope Clement V then gave him another important job in 1306: Major Penitentiary. This role involved handling serious church matters, like forgiveness for sins. In 1309, he was promoted again to Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati. The Pope also asked him to investigate groups like the Knights Templars and some parts of the Franciscan Order.
Pope John XXII
After Pope Clement V died, some French cardinals wanted Fredol to become the next pope, but he was not chosen. However, the new pope, Pope John XXII, still valued Fredol's advice. Pope John XXII even asked Fredol to remove certain church leaders, like the Abbot of Gerald and the Bishop of Cahors, who were accused of plotting against the Pope.
In April 1321, Berengar Fredol became the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals. This meant he was the most senior cardinal.
His Writings
Berengar Fredol was known for his writings, mostly about church law. His works helped explain and organize the rules of the church. One of his famous works was called "Oculus," which was a detailed explanation of another important law book.
Images for kids
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Tractatus de absolutionis cautela et de excommunicatione, a manuscript from the 14th century
