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Boniface VIII, originally Benedetto Gaetani c.1235-1303
Italian pope

Born in Anagni, he studied law in Bologna and was elected pope in 1294. His reign was marked by the strong assertion of papal authority, claiming supreme power in temporal affairs in the Bull Unam Sanctam (1302, 'One Holy'). His authority was challenged, most notably by Philip IV, the Fair, of France, who had Boniface taken prisoner at Anagni in 1303. He died soon after and the papacy took up residence at Avignon.