Michael of Cesena facts for kids

Michael of Cesena (born around 1270 – died November 29, 1342) was an important Italian Franciscan friar. He was also the Minister General (the leader) of the Franciscan Order and a smart theologian. He strongly believed that Franciscans should live in extreme poverty, just like Jesus and his first followers. This belief caused a big disagreement between him and Pope John XXII.

Early Life and Studies

Michael of Cesena was born in a town called Cesena in Italy. We don't know much about his early life. He joined the Franciscan Order, which is a group of friars who follow the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi.

He studied in Paris, which was a famous place for learning back then. In 1316, he earned his doctor's degree in theology. This meant he was an expert in religious studies. After that, he taught theology in Bologna. He also wrote many notes and comments on the Bible and other important religious books.

Becoming a Leader

In 1316, Michael was chosen to be the Minister General of the Franciscan Order. This is like being the worldwide leader of all Franciscans. He was chosen even though he wasn't there at the meeting in Naples.

After being elected, he went to Assisi. There, he called a special meeting to talk about updating the rules of the Franciscan Order. He then created a document with new rules, especially about how Franciscans should live in poverty.

This led Pope John XXII to issue a special order called a papal bull (a formal letter from the Pope). This bull was meant to explain earlier rules about poverty. The Pope wanted to stop arguments among the Franciscans and make sure everyone obeyed their leaders. At first, Michael agreed with the Pope about stopping some rebellious friars.

The Poverty Debate

The Pope's actions caused a lot of trouble within the Franciscan Order. Earlier, other Popes had said that all property given to the Franciscans actually belonged to the Holy See (the Pope's authority). The friars were only allowed to use the property. This helped them live in poverty.

But Pope John XXII changed this. In 1322, he said it was silly to pretend that every bit of food a friar ate belonged to the Pope. He refused to own the Franciscans' goods anymore. He also said they didn't have to follow the rule that completely stopped them from owning anything, even as a group. This meant the Franciscans were now forced to own things.

Michael of Cesena and his supporters strongly disagreed with the Pope. They believed that by living in strict poverty, they were following the example of Jesus and his Apostles. They thought that since Jesus and the Apostles didn't own anything, the Church shouldn't either.

So, the argument became a big theological question: Was it part of the Catholic faith to believe that Jesus and the Apostles owned no property, either individually or together? Some said it was wrong to believe this, while others said it was a true Catholic teaching.

Pope John XXII tried to solve the problem by saying there's a difference between owning something and just using it. He said that Jesus and the Apostles didn't own property, but they did use it. In 1322, the Pope said he was just trying to explain earlier rules. He also said that anyone who twisted the meaning of his orders would be excommunicated (kicked out of the Church).

In June 1322, a big meeting of the Franciscan Order was held in Perugia. They decided that saying Jesus and his Apostles had no earthly goods was not wrong. In fact, they said it was a good and Catholic teaching. They sent a friar named Bonagratia of Bergamo to represent them before the Pope's court in Avignon.

Summoned to Avignon

The arguments didn't stop. In 1327, Michael of Cesena was ordered to appear before the Pope in Avignon. He tried to delay, saying he was sick, but eventually he went. The Pope then told him he could not leave Avignon.

Because of this, Michael couldn't go to the Franciscan meeting in Bologna in 1328. Even though he wasn't there and the Pope's representative protested, Michael was re-elected as Minister General. The friars felt the charges against him weren't enough to remove him from his leadership role.

Michael managed to get William of Ockham, another famous thinker, to support his cause. Many important Church leaders and rulers wrote to the Pope to support Michael. In the next year, Michael of Cesena, William of Ockham, and some other high-ranking Franciscans secretly left the Pope's court in Avignon. They wanted to go to King Robert of Naples, who agreed with their views. But a storm forced their ship back to port. They then got on another ship that took them to Pisa. This ship was controlled by agents of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who was also against the Pope.

Removed from Office

In Pisa, Michael and his group were welcomed by Louis IV's supporters. Louis IV declared that Pope John XXII was no longer the Pope. Michael of Cesena was then excommunicated by Pope John XXII. Michael responded by publicly appealing against the Pope's decision, asking for a Church council to decide the matter.

In 1329, a general meeting of the Franciscan Order was held in Paris. At this meeting, Michael was officially removed from his position as the leader of the Franciscans. His writings and actions were condemned. A new Minister General, Gerard Odon, was elected.

The Pope issued another letter, warning people against Michael. Michael wrote back, accusing the Pope of being a heretic (someone who believes things against Church teachings) in some of his official letters.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1331, another Franciscan meeting decided to expel Michael from the order and sentence him to lifelong imprisonment. However, Michael continued to fight for his belief in evangelical poverty for the rest of his life. He even appealed against the next Pope, Pope Benedict XII, in 1338.

Michael of Cesena died in Munich in 1342. He was buried there in a Franciscan convent. Years later, in 1359, he was officially forgiven and his good name was restored.