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| Palais des Papes | |
| Aliases: | Palace of the Popes |
| Category: | Structure |
| Continent: | Europe |
| Country: | France |
| City: | Avignon |
| Continuity: | Real world |
The Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, is an actual structure located in Avignon in Southern France. It is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was a seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Benedict XIII in 1394. Since 1995, the Palais des Papes has been classified, along with the historic center of Avignon, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its outstanding architecture and historical importance for the papacy.
In early October, 1956, Sister Irene Palmer and Sister Debra journeyed to Avignon from Tarascon to seek the advice of a librarian. They were investigating the mysterious burning death of Father Noiret, and Sister Debra came upon his rosary, which had a strange symbol upon it.
Speaking with the librarian, they determined that the symbol on the rosary related to St. Lucy of Syracuse, patron saint of blindness. It was believed that her eyes were removed and placed within a container, which became a holy relic of great power, and could be wielded by those who shared her bloodline. Morever, the demon Valak, who was responsible for Father Noiret's death, sought this relic as well.
The librarian at the Palais des Papes told Sisters Irene and Debra that relic found its way into the hands of a monk named Jean-Paul Redar who hid it within the chapel of a monastery. That monastery was later converted into Saint Mary's Boarding School for Girls in Aix-en-Provence.