Jacques Fournier (Pope Benedict XII)

Jacques Fournier begins Pamiers inquisitions - meticulous interrogations of suspected Cathars, records daily life and beliefs in mountain villages

Montaillou Cathar testimonies reveal disturbing beliefs - some perfecti taught that children were 'devils' until age of reason, pregnancy seen as demon possession

Jacques Fournier's registers document Cathar endura practices - records of parents allowing sick children to die through endura rather than give them food

Jacques Fournier becomes Pope Benedict XII - former inquisitor of Cathars, his detailed records preserve unique window into medieval heresy