On This Day

Guillaume de Grimoard is elected as Pope Urban V

Pope Urban V (Latin: Urbanus V; born Guillaume de Grimoard, 1310 – 19 December 1370) was head of the Catholic Church from 28 September 1362 until his death on 19 December 1370.

Pope Urban V (Latin: Urbanus V; born Guillaume de Grimoard, 1310 – 19 December 1370) was head of the Catholic Church from 28 September 1362 until his death on 19 December 1370. He was a member of the Order of Saint Benedict and the only Avignon pope to be beatified.

Even after his election as pontiff, he continued to follow the Benedictine Rule, living simply and modestly. This frequently brought him into conflict with his ecclesial peers, who were often accustomed to affluent lifestyles.

Urban V pressed for reform throughout his pontificate and also oversaw the restoration and construction of churches and monasteries. One of the goals he set himself upon his election to the Papacy was the reunion of the Eastern and Western Churches.

Historical Significance

Pope Urban V (Latin: Urbanus V; born Guillaume de Grimoard, 1310 – 19 December 1370) was head of the Catholic Church from 28 September 1362 until his death on 19 December 1370.

Events Before

  1. French attack English south coast, raiding Winchelsea

    Winchelsea () is a town in the county of East Sussex, England, located between the High Weald and the Romney Marsh, approximately two miles (three kilometres) southwest of Rye and seven miles (eleven...

  2. Treaty of Brétigny signed by English & French, ending the first phase of the Hundred Years' War

    The Hundred Years' War (French: Guerre de Cent Ans; 1337–1453 [116 years]) was a conflict between the kingdoms of England and France and a civil war in France during the Late Middle Ages.

  3. Jews are expelled from Breslau, Silesia

    Jews are expelled from Breslau, Silesia

  4. Edward the Black Prince of England is married to Joan Plantagenet 'the fair maid of Kent' at Windsor Castle

    Edward of Woodstock (15 June 1330 – 8 June 1376), known as the Black Prince, was the eldest son and heir apparent of King Edward III of England.

  5. Henry of Grosmont, the richest peer in England, is buried at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of Newarke, Leic

    Henry of Grosmont, the richest peer in England, is buried at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of Newarke, Leicester, with the royal family in attendance

Events After

  1. Beginning of the Battle of Lake Poyang; two Chinese rebel leaders, Chen Youliang and Zhu Yuanzhang, clash in one of the

    Beginning of the Battle of Lake Poyang; two Chinese rebel leaders, Chen Youliang and Zhu Yuanzhang, clash in one of the largest naval battles in history during the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty

  2. End of the Battle of Lake Poyang; Chinese rebel forces led by Zhu Yuanzhang defeat those of his rival, Chen Youliang, in

    End of the Battle of Lake Poyang; Chinese rebel forces led by Zhu Yuanzhang defeat those of his rival, Chen Youliang, in one of the largest naval battles in history with approximately 850,000 participants

  3. Pope Urban V names John van Virneburg as Bishop of Utrecht

    John of Arkel or Jan van Arkel (died 1 July 1378, Liège) served as Prince and Bishop of Liège from 1364 until his death in 1378. He had previously served as Bishop of Utrecht from 1342 to 1364.

  4. Peter Coutherel banished from Leuven

    Peter Coutherel banished from Leuven

  5. Battle of Auray: English forces defeat the French in Brittany

    The War of the Breton Succession or Breton Civil War was a conflict between the Counts of Blois and the Montforts of Brittany for control of the Duchy of Brittany, then a fief of the Kingdom of...

More from the 1360s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 28, 1362?
Pope Urban V (Latin: Urbanus V; born Guillaume de Grimoard, 1310 – 19 December 1370) was head of the Catholic Church from 28 September 1362 until his death on 19 December 1370. He was a member of the Order of Saint Benedict and the only Avignon pope to be beatified. Even after his election as pontiff, he continued to follow the Benedictine Rule, living simply and modestly.
Why is Guillaume de Grimoard is elected as Pope Urban V significant?
Pope Urban V (Latin: Urbanus V; born Guillaume de Grimoard, 1310 – 19 December 1370) was head of the Catholic Church from 28 September 1362 until his death on 19 December 1370.

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