Pope Benedict XII, born Jacques Fournier in 1285, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1334 to 1342. He was a member of the Cistercian order and became known for his efforts to reform the church and address issues of corruption. His papacy was marked by a focus on theological clarity and the promotion of the Avignon Papacy. Benedict XII is best known for his papal bull, Benedictus Deus, which clarified the church's teachings on the afterlife, particularly regarding the beatific vision. He also worked to strengthen the church's authority and sought to improve relations with the Eastern Orthodox Church.