#181 What Happens When We Die? Exploring the Benedictus Deus (On the Beatific Vision of God) and Pope Benedict XII

In this episode of The Soul Unleashed, we explore the eschatology, and the fascinating history and theology behind Pope Benedict XII and his influential papal bull Benedictus Deus, which defined the Catholic doctrine of the Beatific Vision. Diving into the question, “What happens when we die?”, we uncover the story of Jacques Fournier, the Cistercian monk turned pope, who shaped Church teachings during the tumultuous Avignon Papacy. From inquisitions in southern France to the Albigensian Crusade, this episode weaves together history, theology, and personal eschatology, offering insights into the medieval Church and its struggles for spiritual and political authority.

Resources:

Papal Bull entitled “Benedictus Deus” issued on January 29, 1336 (prior to the 10-day and leap year adjustments of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582) https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/benedictus-deus-on-the-beatific-vision-of-god-13139

Born Jacques Fournier (Frenchman) in 1285 Became a Cistercian Monk Bishop of Pamiers and conducted Inquisition trials 1326 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XII

Elected by mistake on Dec 20, 1334, succeeding Pope John XXII. The majority of cardinals favored Cardinal Jean-Raymond de Comminges, the Bishop of Porto. “You have elected an ignoramus”. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02430a.htm

He was the third of eight popes during the “Avignon Papacy” (1309-1377) 67 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avignon_Papacy

This was followed by “The Western Schism” when there were Popes in both Avignon and Rome (1378-1417) 39 years https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism

The Albigensian Crusade was 1209-1229: https://worldhistory.org/Albigensian_Crusade/

My podcasts target left-brained types like me, whose rigid view of life restricts us from considering things outside the tightly organized spiritual paradigm we either grew up with or built for ourselves.

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Mike

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