Editing Pope Benedict XII (section)

===Philip VI of France===
On 15 January 1336 Benedict requested Philip VI's assistance in bringing about peace in the western Mediterranean, where the crusade was being hampered by conflicts between Aragon and Genoa, Naples and Sicily.{{sfn|Housley|1986|p=29}} This was followed by the pope's letter, two months later, canceling the crusade, citing the belief that Christendom was too crippled by domestic quarrels.{{sfn|Housley|1986|p=29}} On 18 December, Benedict cancelled the six-year tenth crusading tithe.{{sfn|Housley|1986|p=29}}

Though born a Frenchman, Benedict felt no patriotism towards France nor its king, [[Philip VI of France|Philip VI]].{{sfn|Sumption|1990|p=152-153}} From the start of his papacy, relations between him and Philip were frigid.{{sfn|Sumption|1990|p=152-153}} After being informed of Philip's plan to invade Scotland, Benedict hinted that King [[Edward III of England]] would most likely win, regardless.{{sfn|Sumption|1990|p=152-153}} In 1340, Benedict's marshal kidnapped English envoys and handed them over to the French.{{sfn|Collins|2009|p=288}} Using papal sanctions, Benedict secured their release and had the marshal hanged.{{sfn|Collins|2009|p=288}}