orig. Pierre Roger
born с 1291, Corèzze, Aquitaine
died Dec. 6, 1352, Avignon, Provence
Pope (1342–52).
Archbishop of Sens and Rouen, he was made cardinal in 1338 and was consecrated pope at Avignon four years later (see Avignon papacy ). He launched a Crusade against Smyrna in 1344, ending the piracy of the Ottoman Turks. He also restored papal authority in the Romagna region, which was disputed by families of the Italian nobility. In exchange for his protection, Joan I of Naples sold him Avignon. Clement opposed the Franciscan ascetics known as the Spirituals, enlarged the papal palace, and fostered art and scholarship.