Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/167

Rh new nomination, were at once forwarded to the see of Rome for the decision and approval of the Pope.

Villaret at the same time, from his stronghold at Lindos, also forwarded his version of the affair in an appeal to his ecclesiastical superior. Here then was a tempting opportunity presented to the pontiff for interfering in the affairs of the Order, and for gauging his influence and authority. Three several bulls were issued by him dated in the year 1317. In the first of these his Holiness thus addresses Villaret:—“ We are sorry to learn that you have been assaulted and compelled by your own knights to fly from the city of Rhodes into a fortress in another part of that island. Although their conduct appears to have been highly incorrect, still you are accused of having excited it. We therefore cite both them and you to our presence in order that we may investigate the affair, and base our decision on correct information.” The second bull was addressed to de Pagnac, citing him to appear likewise at Aviguon. The third nominated a vicar-general who should act as a locum tenens. for the Grand-Master during the absence of the two claimants to that dignity. The knight who was selected by the Pope for this office was Gerard de Pins, a personage of considerable note and of great influence amongst his brethren. During the disputes which had led to the deposition of Villaret and the election of a rival he had maintained a strict neutrality, supporting neither side, but lending the powerful influence of his example to those who were endeavouring to heal the schism thus unfortunately generated in their midst.

The nomination of the Pope was acquiesced in by all parties without dispute, and during a period of fifteen years which elapsed before a Grand.Master once more ruled in person at Rhodes, Gerard maintained the dignity and interests of the Order with the most exemplary firmness.

The two claimants whose rival pretensions were about to become the object of papal decision, departed on their journey to Avignon. It was to this city that Clement had, on his election to the chair of St. Peter, transferred his seat of government, and his successor, John XXII., still resided there. During