The Unam Sanctam of Boniface VIII

Question

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The Unam Sanctam of Boniface VIII famously declared that "it is altogether necessary to salvation for every human being to be subject to the Roman pontiff," and it specifically addressed the question of secular authority, stating that "it is altogether necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman pontiff." The document was seen as a bold assertion of papal supremacy, and the specific language used in relation to Philip IV was quite harsh, with the pope stating that "we declare, say, define and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human being that he be subject to the Roman pontiff." While the document did not specifically require Philip to submit to Edward I, it did demand submission to the papacy, and the language used suggested dire consequences for those who did not comply.