John XXII and Crusade Projects (1316–1320)

At the beginning of Philip V’s reign, the crusade project becomes central again. Pope John XXII, elected in August 1316 in Lyon, wishes to relaunch an expedition and encourages the French monarchy to mobilize.

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🕊️ Funds, Schedules, and Promises

Philip V receives pontifical funds and drags his feet: he wishes first to stabilize Flanders. John XXII nonetheless announces to certain allies, notably the Armenians, that Western aid is in preparation.

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⚓ 1319: A Vanguard Destroyed

A vanguard departs as early as 1319 under the orders of Louis I of Bourbon, but the French fleet is destroyed off Genoa. The failure illustrates the logistical and political difficulties of a “modern” crusade.

During the winter of 1319–1320, Philip organizes new preparatory meetings, relying on strategic reflections, including crusade treatises attributed to William Durand.

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🐑 1320: Shepherds, a Crusade Out of Control

The repeated calls for crusade also fuel popular mobilization: the crusade of the Shepherds (1320) transforms into internal violence, notably against Jewish communities, the clergy, and royal strongholds. John XXII condemns the movement and criticizes the brutality of the episode.

At the end of the reign, relations between Philip and the pope become tense over the use of funds and the management of these drifts.

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🧠 Key Points to Remember

• Crusade projects structure diplomacy, but confront constraints.
• 1320 shows the danger of popular fervor without political control.