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How was Pope Boniface VIII freed from captivity at Anagni?
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Boniface VIII
Miniature of Pope Boniface VIII from Vaticinia de Pontificibus (an index of prophecies of the popes), c. 14th century; in the British Library, London.
Pope Boniface VIII was held captive in his summer residence at Anagni by agents of King Philip IV of France, specifically Guillaume de Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna.12
Although the local leaders of Anagni initially assisted in the pope's capture, they changed their minds after two days. These local city leaders subsequently rescued the pope, which effectively frustrated the plans of his captors. Following his release, Boniface VIII was permitted to return to Rome, though he was physically and mentally broken by the ordeal and died shortly thereafter.21