- Becoming chair of canon law at the University of Bologna.
- Being chosen by Pope Boniface VIII to help write the books of Canon Law known as the Decretals.
- Playing a prominent role in the dispute between Boniface and Philip IV over papal vs. monarchic authority.
- Becoming a cardinal in 1305 thanks to Pope Clement V.
- Almost becoming pope on the death of Clement V (but it went to John XXII).
- Became Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1321.
In July 1321, a document with his name on it was sent to Maiden Bradley Priory in Wiltshire, England. Maiden Bradly was founded in 1164 as a leper hospital. A few decades later, it was placed under the authority of Augustinian canons, but it had been not living by the proper Augustinian statutes. For these transgressions they had been excommunicated.
Bérenger's letter was on behalf of Pope John XXII, notions that they had seen the error of their ways, punished the offenders, and were granted absolution, lifting their excommunicated status.
Berenger's name cropped up on another letter just a few years ago, regarding the persecution of the Templars. We will look at that next.
