HISTORIC TIMELINE

756Establishment of the Papal States

The Papal States were established, beginning the temporal power of the pope in central Italy.

1309Beginning of the Avignon Papacy

Popes temporarily resided in Avignon, France, reducing the papacy's influence in Rome.

1377Return to Rome

Pope Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome, ending the Avignon Papacy.

1870Annexation of the Papal States

The Kingdom of Italy annexed the Papal States, diminishing the pope's temporal authority.

1929Lateran Treaty

The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as an independent state and recognized the sovereignty of the Holy See.