anagni incident?

Question

what is it, how did it affect papal power in high middle ages?

Answer 1

Fascinating episode that occurred in September 1303 when King Philippe IV was excommunicated by Pope Boniface VIII. Because he had an ancestor that was sainted, Philippe IV thought he was better than an Italian peasant. He sent a thug, a lawyer named Guilaume Nogaret, to Rome, along with military escort. They stormed the papal residence at Anagni, taking the pope hostage. Despite the Pope's age and his sacred office, they roughed him up. Although the townspeople were outraged and rescued Pope Boniface, several weeks later he died from his injuries.

I found a wonderful report on the incident that goes into detail. Read the complete article for yourself.

Answer 2

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08629a.htm