Who first referred to the period of the papacy in Avignon as the "Babylonian Captivity of the Church"?

The phrase "Babylonian Captivity of the Church" was first used by Petrarch to describe the period when the papacy was located in Avignon, France, from 1309 to 1377. Petrarch, a scholar and poet of the early Renaissance, used this term to express his discontent with the papacy's absence from Rome and its perceived decline in moral authority. His comparison to the Babylonian Captivity referenced the biblical period when the Hebrew people were held captive in Babylon, emphasizing a sense of exile and loss of spiritual integrity for the Church during this time.

This terminology highlighted concerns of the era regarding the influence of secular powers over the Church and the need for a return to Rome and traditional values. Petrarch's influence and critiques reflected broader sentiments that were germinating during this period, ultimately paving the way for later reformers to challenge the Church's practices and authority.

Other figures in the options had significant contributions to theological discussions during their time but did not coin this particular phrase.