Saint Pope Urban V was born as Guillaume de Grimoard in 1310 at Grisac in the region of Languedoc. From an early age he showed a deep love for learning and faith. He studied canon law and theology in Avignon and later embraced religious life as a Benedictine monk. His discipline humility and wisdom soon became well known.
In 1352 he was appointed abbot of his monastery. He was later entrusted with important missions as a papal diplomat and served the Church in many parts of Italy and Europe. He also carried out episcopal duties with dedication and balance during a time of political tension and unrest.
In 1362 Guillaume de Grimoard was elected pope while he was away on diplomatic service. Remarkably he was not a cardinal at the time of his election.
As pope Saint Pope Urban V worked tirelessly for peace especially between the rulers of France and Italy. He strongly supported education and helped establish and strengthen several universities across Europe. He also showed great zeal for the crusades and the protection of Christian lands.
One of his most significant decisions was to return the papacy to Rome bringing an end to the long period during which the popes resided in Avignon. However renewed conflict between England and France forced him to return once again to Avignon in an effort to promote peace.
Saint Pope Urban V died on December 19 1370 during his return to Avignon. According to his own wish his body was later transferred to Marseille. His tomb soon became a place associated with many miracles. Throughout his life and even as pope he remained deeply faithful to the Benedictine spirit and continued to wear his monk’s habit.
He was widely admired for his virtue honesty and simplicity at a time when Europe was troubled by scandal and corruption. Tradition recalls that as he lay dying he asked the people to gather around his bed saying that the people must see how popes die.