John XXII, born Jacques Duèze, was the pope of the Catholic Church from 1316 to 1334. He was the second of the Avignon Popes, and the first to be born outside of Italy. He was a highly influential figure in the Church, and his papacy was marked by a number of important reforms and initiatives.
John XXII was born in Cahors, France in 1245. He was educated at the University of Toulouse, where he studied law and theology. After graduating, he became a professor of canon law at the University of Paris. He was also a member of the papal court, and served as a papal legate in various countries. In 1309, he was elected pope, taking the name John XXII.
John XXII was a reformer, and his papacy was marked by a number of important initiatives. He was a strong advocate of papal supremacy, and sought to strengthen the power of the papacy. He also sought to reform the Church, and issued a number of decrees and regulations to this end. He was a strong supporter of the Franciscan order, and sought to protect them from the attacks of the Dominicans. He also sought to reform the Church's finances, and issued a number of decrees to this end.
John XXII was also a strong supporter of education. He founded the University of Avignon, and encouraged the study of theology and philosophy. He also encouraged the study of science, and was a strong supporter of the works of Roger Bacon and other scientists. He also encouraged the study of the Bible, and issued a number of decrees to this end.
John XXII was also a strong supporter of the arts. He was a patron of the arts, and encouraged the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture. He also encouraged the development of music, and was a patron of the composer Guillaume de Machaut. He also encouraged the development of literature, and was a patron of the poet Petrarch.
John XXII was also a strong supporter of the poor. He issued a number of decrees to protect the rights of the poor, and sought to improve their living conditions. He also sought to improve the conditions of the sick and the elderly, and issued a number of decrees to this end.
John XXII was a highly influential figure in the Church, and his papacy was marked by a number of important reforms and initiatives. He was a strong advocate of papal supremacy, and sought to strengthen the power of the papacy. He was also a strong supporter of education, the arts, and the poor. His papacy was a period of great reform and progress in the Church, and his legacy continues to this day.