orig. Jacques Duèse
born , Cahors, France
died Dec. 4, 1334, Avignon
Second Avignon pope (1316–34).
The successor to Clement V , he established the papal court at Avignon on a permanent basis (see Avignon papacy ). He condemned the Spiritual Franciscan s' interpretation of the poverty of Christ and his Apostles and upheld papal authority over imperial elections against the opposition of the emperor, Louis IV . When John excommunicated Louis, the emperor retaliated by declaring him deposed (1328) and sponsoring the election of an antipope . John's views on the beatific vision provoked accusations of heresy (1331–32). He is remembered for centralizing church administration and adding to the body of canon law.