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What happened to Pope Boniface VIII at Anagni in 1303?

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In September 1303, the conflict between King Philip IV of France and Pope Boniface VIII reached a violent climax at Anagni, Italy.12

Acting on the king's behalf, Guillaume de Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna led a group of Italian factions hostile to the pope to seize him at his summer residence. The assault was timed to prevent Boniface from issuing a papal bull that would have excommunicated Philip IV.12

The pope was held hostage for two days, during which he was subjected to significant hostility. Although he was eventually rescued by local city leaders and allowed to return to Rome, the trauma of the event contributed to his death shortly thereafter. This confrontation marked a pivotal moment in the struggle between temporal and spiritual power, eventually leading to the Avignon papacy.12