What was the Avignon Papacy? Why did it occur? Evaluate its importance.

Avignon Papacy is described as the period wherein seven successive popes were from Avignon, France rather from the traditional home, Rome. This happened from the period 1309 to 1377. The importance of Avignon Papacy is that, it improved much of the organization of the Church, which established major offices that is still operating until the present. They also supported missionary activity as well as scholarship and arts.