On 13 December 1334, a few days after the death of John XXII (1316–1334), twenty-four cardinals gathered in conclave in Avignon. By the end of the week, the majority – according to some, all – of the assembly elected as John's successor the Cistercian cardinal Jacques Fournier (c.1285–1342). Born in Saverdun in the Ariège region, he ascended the papal throne on 8 January 1335 with the name of Benedict XII, and died in Avignon. According to the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani, the election was arduous and Fournier's name was proposed ‘almost as a dare, believing that it would not be done’ (quasi per gara, non credendo venisse fatto). The choice of one ‘regarded as the lowest of the Cardinals’ (il più minimo de’ cardinali) thus astonished many, probably on account of the new pontiff's political inexperience. Villani further remarks: ‘And once he was elected pope, everyone was surprised, and he himself, who was present, said: “You have elected an ignoramus” (Avete eletto uno asino)’.

Regardless of Villani's report, Jacques Fournier's pontifical election does not appear as something completely unexpected when considering his former career, as well as the influence of his maternal uncle Arnaud Novel – doctor of law, Cistercian abbot of Fontfroide, cardinal, and candidate to the papal throne after the death of Clement V.