Castanet, Bernard De

Castanet, Bernard de a French prelate, was born at Montpelier of an ancient family from Roulergle. He was auditor of the papal palace under Innocent V, when called to replace Bernard of Cambrez in the see of Albi, March 7,1276. He immediately built a new cathedral, the magnificent church of St. Cecile. He laid the foundations of a convent for the Dominicans, and another for the Minorite Franciscans. Being appointed by Philip the Fair to treat with Boniface VIII about the canonization of St. Louis, he displayed great prudence, and secured the secularization of his own chapter. The severity of the bishop in his functions, however, excited the indignation of the people, of the consuls, and even of the clergy, who brought their complaints before the court of Rome. In 1308 the pope made inquiries, in consequence of which Bernard of Castanet was transferred to the bishopric of Puy. Eight years afterwards John XXII assigned the bishopric of Paris and the cardinal's hat to Castanet. The latter died Aug. 14, 1317, at Avignon. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Géneralé. s.v.