Birth of Jacques Fournier
Jacques Fournier, later Pope Benedict XII, was born in the region of Saverdun in southern France; his exact birth year is uncertain.
Role range: 1334-1342
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Jacques Fournier Biography and Timeline
Follow Jacques Fournier through 11 dated historical records for France.
Jacques Fournier, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
11Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1285–1334Years on this page
1285
1300
Joins Cistercian Order
Jacques Fournier entered the Cistercian monastic tradition and pursued studies that shaped his later approach to ecclesiastical reform.
Role range: 1334-1342
1310
Theological Studies in Paris
Fournier studied theology at the University of Paris and acquired the scholarly reputation that helped advance his church career.
Role range: 1334-1342
1317
Begins Episcopate at Pamiers
As bishop of Pamiers, Fournier supervised his diocese and became known for investigating religious dissent in the Pyrenees.
Role range: 1334-1342
1320
Investigations of Cathar Beliefs
Fournier personally examined suspected adherents of Cathar beliefs, leaving detailed testimony preserved in the Pamiers register.
Role range: 1334-1342
1321
Interrogations of Mountain Villagers
The inquisitorial proceedings associated with Fournier recorded testimony about religious life in villages around the Pyrenees.
Role range: 1334-1342
1322
Inquiry into Clerical Conduct
Fournier questioned witnesses about clerical behaviour as well as heretical teaching during his episcopal investigations.
Role range: 1334-1342
1325
Pamiers Inquiry Records Preserved
The records of Fournier’s inquisitorial investigations preserved unusually detailed evidence about the beliefs and daily lives of local inhabitants.
Role range: 1334-1342
1326
Transferred to Mirepoix
Pope John XXII transferred Jacques Fournier from the see of Pamiers to the bishopric of Mirepoix.
Role range: 1334-1342
1327
Receives Cardinalate
John XXII raised Fournier to the College of Cardinals, bringing the future Benedict XII into papal government at Avignon.
Role range: 1334-1342
1334
Succeeds John XXII
Following the death of John XXII, the cardinals selected Jacques Fournier as the next pope under the name Benedict XII.
Role range: 1334-1342
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.