Aigrefeuille, Guillaume (the Younger)

AIGREFEUILLE, GUILLAUME (the younger). - Cardinal, born at Saint-Exupéry in 1339, died at Avignone on 13 Jan. 1401. He studied at Tolosa, where in 1365 he became doctor of decrees. On 12 May 1367 he was created cardinal of the title of S. Stefano Rotondo by Pope Urbano V, and on 19 Oct. 1369 he was elected « camerarius » of the College of Cardinals, an office which he retained throughout his life. He took part in the conclave that followed the death of Gregorio XI, and played an important role in the events that led to the Great Schism. He was sent by Clemente VII to Germany to the Emperor Venceslao, but, despite letters written in his favour by the Duke of Angiò and by Carlo V, he was unable to obtain a safe-conduct. Indeed, he was compelled to leave even Metz, whither he had gone, and to settle at Friburgo in Brisgovin, where he remained from 1381 to 1384. The following year he returned to Avignone, where he subsequently died. He was buried in the chapel of S. Stefano, which he had erected in the church of S. Marziale. He wrote a treatise against Benedetto XIII and Sermones in laudem beatae Virginis.