Pope Clement V11
The church found itself at odds with an endless array of people during the
Middle Ages. It reacted swiftly and forcefully to suppress the first seeds
of nationalism and desire for independence from Rome. When disputes over
tribute payments arose in 1275, the Pope excommunicated the whole town of
Florence. When a group of small Italian city states organised a revolt
against Papal control in 1375, the Pope legate in Italy, Robert of Geneva,
hired a band of mercenary thugs to conquer the area. After failing to take
the city of Bologna, these thugs set upon the town of Cessna.
Swearing clemency by solemn oath on his cardinals hat, Cardinal Robert
persuaded the men of Cessna to lay down their arms and won their confidence
by asking for 50 hostages and immediately releasing them as evidence of his
goodwill. Then summoning his mercenaries, he organised a general massacre
to exercise justice. Three days and nights beginning February 3rd 1377,
while the city gates were closed, the soldiers slaughtered. Trying to
escape, thousands drowned in the moats, thrust back by relentless swords.
Women were seized for rape, plunder succeeded the killing, works of art were
ruined, handicraft laid wasteland what could not be carried away, they
burnt. The death toll was 2500-5000. Robert of Geneva was appointed Pope in
1378 and became Pope Clement Vll. (H. Ellerbe. The Dark side of Christian
history).
PeterT
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