Religion plays a major role in both the film and in the life of Joan. In both the film and in history, we see Joan persecuted by the very church that sanctioned her. Looking at the notes from her trial, Joan referenced the voices she heard and ardently stated she would only say what God allowed her to. (Champion, 1932) Both in the film and in the trial notes, Joan claims to have heard the voices of St. Catherine, St. Margret and St. Michael, accompanied by a heavenly light. Joan’s testimony at her
After the death of Innocent III, the papacy was then occupied by Boniface VIII (1294–1303), a pope who had great aspirations for supreme authority in temporal affairs. Worse for the papacy was soon to follow. After the death of Boniface’s successor, the excellent Benedict XI (1303–1304), the cardinals chose a Frenchman, Bertrand de Got, who took the name Clement V (1305–1314). A man of weak character, little experience, and frail health, Clement was no match for the ruthless Philip. He eventually