In the Shadow of an Abdication: The Art and Cult of Saint Popes on the Example of the Tomb of Boniface VIII in the Vatican Basilica
In the Shadow of an Abdication: The Art and Cult of Saint Popes on the Example of the Tomb of Boniface VIII in the Vatican Basilica

Summary/Abstract: The article addresses the problem of the ideological meaning of the tomb of Pope Boniface VIII in the Vatican Basilica and the reference made by the Pope to the figure of his predecessor from the beginning of the 7th century, Saint. Boniface IV (608–615). This work, completed in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and probably Jacopo Torriti, should be placed in the context of the complicated beginnings of the pontificate of Boniface VIII, elected to the See of Peter during the lifetime of his predecessor. The analysis carried out includes showing the appearance of this mausoleum, which does not exist today, based on preserved testimonies, presenting the ideological message of the tomb and presenting the original integration of hagiography by Boniface VIII into the program of his pontificate. The article uses an analytical method in relation to the history and history of art. In the light of the research conducted, the mausoleum of Boniface VIII in the Vatican Basilica appears to be an extremely ideologically coherent work, subordinated to his vision of the pontificate, and at the same time serving as an apology for the highest authority in the Church in the context of emerging accusations of its illegal usurpation. The presented analyzes can be a starting point for further research on papal rituals in the Middle Ages.

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