Can you please explain this quote said by Pope Boniface VIII in the Unam Sanctum and who he was referring to?
Was the Pope referring to Philip the Fair when he said this?
"Therefore, of the one and only Church there is one body and one head, not two heads like a monster..."
Yes.
http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/boniface-viii%E2%80%99s-bull-unam-sanctam
The quote you mentioned is from the papal bull "Unam Sanctam," which was issued by Pope Boniface VIII in 1302. In this document, the Pope made a strong claim about the authority and unity of the Catholic Church.
To understand the quote, it is essential to consider the historical context. During the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a struggle for power between the papacy and various secular rulers, most notably the King of France, Philip IV, also known as Philip the Fair. Boniface VIII and Philip IV were engaged in a power struggle, often referred to as the "Papal Conflict."
Now, let's break down the quote itself. Pope Boniface VIII states, "Therefore, of the one and only Church there is one body and one head, not two heads like a monster..." Here, the Pope is emphasizing that the Catholic Church is a single entity, with one body and one head. By using the analogy of a monster with two heads, he is conveying the idea that having two supreme authorities, either in the Church or in the temporal realm, is unnatural and contrary to the divine order.
While the papal bull "Unam Sanctam" doesn't directly mention any specific individuals, it is widely believed that Pope Boniface VIII was indeed targeting Philip IV of France. The quote can be interpreted as a veiled criticism of the king's attempts to exert authority over the Church in his realm. Boniface VIII was asserting the supremacy of the papacy and its independence from secular rulers.
In summary, the Pope's quote in the Unam Sanctam emphasizes the unity and singular authority of the Catholic Church. While not explicitly naming Philip the Fair, it is generally understood that the Pope's statement was aimed at him and his attempts to wield authority over the Church.