Pope Clement V, born Bertrand de Got in 1264, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1305 to 1314. He was the first pope to reside in Avignon, France, marking the beginning of the Avignon Papacy, a period when seven successive popes lived in Avignon rather than Rome. His papacy was characterized by political challenges and the influence of the French monarchy. Clement V is perhaps best known for his decision to suppress the Knights Templar in 1307, leading to the arrest and persecution of many members. His reign also involved significant issues regarding church reform and relations with various European powers, shaping the future of the papacy and the Catholic Church.