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Viterbo, a city near Rome, briefly served as the papal residence from 1257 to 1281. The tumultuous political climate in 13th-century Rome prompted the move. The lengthy 1268-1271 papal election in Viterbo, where cardinals were confined until they chose a Pope, led to the creation of the formal conclave system. Pope Gregory X's subsequent Apostolic Constitution, Ubi periculum, established rules for papal elections, a system still used today. Viterbo's role in this pivotal moment solidified its place in papal history.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.