The Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges; A Bold Assertion of Royal Authority Against Papal Supremacy

The year 1438 marked a pivotal moment in French history, one where the seeds of national sovereignty were sown amidst the tumultuous backdrop of religious upheaval and political maneuvering. This moment took shape in the form of the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges, a groundbreaking edict issued by King Charles VII that forever altered the relationship between the French monarchy and the Papacy.

The immediate context for this bold assertion of royal authority was the ongoing Hundred Years’ War with England, a protracted conflict that had ravaged France for over a century. The war’s devastating impact on French society, coupled with the perceived interference of the Papacy in secular affairs, fueled a growing sense of national resentment against foreign influence.

Adding fuel to the fire was the Avignon Papacy (1309-1376), a period when Popes resided not in Rome but in the southeastern French city of Avignon, leading to accusations of French dominance over the Church and further exacerbating tensions between the crown and the Papacy. This historical baggage set the stage for the Pragmatic Sanction, a document that aimed to curtail papal power within France while simultaneously consolidating the King’s authority.

The Sanction encompassed a series of sweeping reforms:

• Control Over Church Appointments: The King asserted his right to appoint bishops and abbots within his realm, effectively wresting control from the Papacy.

• Limitations on Papal Taxation: Aimed at curbing the financial influence of the Papacy in France, the Sanction placed restrictions on papal taxation.

• Establishment of a French Convocation: The document mandated the creation of a national council of the clergy, known as the French Convocation, which would have the authority to legislate on religious matters within France.

These provisions aimed not only to strengthen the French monarchy but also to address concerns regarding the perceived corruption and abuse of power within the Church hierarchy.

The immediate impact of the Pragmatic Sanction was significant. It effectively established the French King as the supreme head of the Church within his own realm, a precedent that would have lasting consequences for the relationship between Church and State in France.

However, the Sanction did not go unchallenged. Pope Eugene IV condemned it in 1440, denouncing it as a violation of papal authority. This led to a protracted theological and political dispute, with both sides vying for influence and control.

While the Pragmatic Sanction was initially successful in consolidating royal power within France, its long-term impact on the broader Catholic Church was more complex:

The Sanction laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of national churches, independent entities that sought to assert their autonomy from papal control.

It is crucial to remember that history rarely unfolds in neat and predictable ways. The Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges, while intended to address specific political and religious concerns of the time, ultimately contributed to a complex tapestry of theological and political developments that continue to shape our understanding of Church-State relations even today. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of past and present, demonstrating how seemingly localized decisions can reverberate through history with profound and unforeseen consequences.