In January 1377 the pope returned to Rome, leaving Avignon, for ever as it turned out. The situation was very unsettled; since 1375 there had been revolt in the papal states against the regime set up by cardinal Albornoz for the return of Urban V and the Florentines, quarrelling with the pope on their own account, were trying to persuade the Romans to join their league. With the area round Rome in turmoil the Romans were very concerned that Gregory might return to Avignon. There was no reason to suppose that relations would be harmonious between those already in Rome and those arriving with the papal court, whatever their nationality. Their interests were too different. The city to which the pope returned was turbulent and although the citizens wanted the papal court that did not imply cordiality. In theory Rome had self government, with elected representatives, and no longer depended either on rule by great territorial nobility or on papally imposed officials. Thus the popolo were likely to be uneasy about the return of the pope, if that meant replacement of local authority.

The rebellion in the papal states, which had already consumed vast sums of money, not only destroyed the system of government carefully built up by Albornoz; it was also a source of many bitter experiences, which reverberated down the years and did not help the reputation of the papal governors.