Philip of Majorca

Philip of Majorca (; 1288–1343) was an infante and a Franciscan who served as regent of the Kingdom of Majorca between 1324 and 1329. Both as a theologian and as regent, Philip was a noted supporter of the Beguines and Spiritual Franciscans, preaching poverty for all clerics. He spent a large part of his career unsuccessfully trying to establish a new Franciscan-based religious order.

Early life

Philip was the youngest of the four sons of King James II of Majorca and Esclaramunda of Foix. He was born into the exceptionally devout Roman Catholic House of Barcelona: his grandfather King James I resigned his crowns to become a Cistercian monk, his eldest brother James renounced his succession rights and joined the Franciscan order, and his sister Sancha's desire to enter a religious order prompted her to seek a dissolution of her marriage to King Robert of Naples. Clareno in a letter to his followers compared the young prince directly to Jesus Christ, and St. Francis of Assisi.Following his studies, Philip became treasurer of Tours Cathedral, and later held certain canonries. He requested repeatedly and resolutely, but ultimately unsuccessfully, that Pope John XXII formally recognize the "Brothers of the Poor Life" – the group led by him and his friend.

During his rule, Philip granted concessions to the kingdom's Jewish population. He resisted the Inquisition's pursuit of Spirituals, and strove to shield Jews from growing fanaticism. The queen hosted Philip's entourage in the Castel Nuovo, and they became acquainted with the spiritual leaders Andreas de Gagliano and Robert of Mileto. A rumor emerged from Naples that Philip was a candidate to replace Pope John XXIII, that is further corroborated by Sancia and Robert of Naples vocal advocation for his ascent to the position. Encouraged by the subtle hostility of King Robert's court towards the papacy, Philip openly attacked Pope John XXII in a sermon, asserting that, papal decrees notwithstanding, the existence of the "Brothers of the poor Life" was the realization of the Gospel. He attempted to establish the order once more, but Pope Benedict XII confirmed his predecessor's decision. In 1337, Philip's long-time friend and mentor Angelo da Clareno died and Philip worked with leaders amongst the Spirituals to collect his letters and works. Philip died in 1344 in the Kingdom of Naples and his sister and protector Sancia died soon after.