Datum Avenioni : the Avignon Papacy and the custody of the Veronica

Letters and papal bulls written during the Avignon Papacy point out that raised displays of the Host in private to enable its worship (ostensions) were permitted more commonly during that period than in the past, making a common practice of what had been an exception. The ostensions presented in this article were granted by Avignon Pontiffs to public authorities and noble personages traveling to Rome for political purposes or as pilgrims during Jubilees. Canons of Saint Peter's Basilica exhibited the relic of the Holy Face at the direction of Avignon Pontiffs, thus augmenting their role in managing the elic of Veronica.